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How to Get Rid of Tree Suckers

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published February 12, 2025

Tree suckers, also known as water sprouts, are vigorous shoots that emerge from base of a tree. While they might seem harmless, they can weaken the tree, compete for resources and detract from its appearance. This article will show you how to get rid of tree suckers and prevent their regrowth.

Tools and Materials

Materials

  • Mulch
  • Fertilizer

  • Plant growth regulator

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Rid of Tree Suckers

It’s essential to understand what root suckering is before you start removing them. It is the phenomenon where new shoots emerge from the roots of a tree, often near the surface of the soil. Here is how you can deal with them.

Recognizing the Suckers

The first step in dealing with tree suckers is spotting them. Check the base of the trunk and the surrounding soil for any signs of suckers. Early detection is key to preventing the suckers from becoming too large or deeply rooted.

Tip

Use a flashlight if you are inspecting your tree at night or in low-light conditions. Make sure you are wearing gardening gloves.

Cut the Suckers at the Base

The most effective way to remove tree suckers is to cut them off at the base. Suckers are usually soft and easy to cut through. Use pruning shears or scissors for smaller ones. For thicker, older suckers, you may need loppers or a pruning saw.

  • Identify the base by looking at the bottom of the sucker and locate the point where it emerges from the tree or the ground.
  • Make your cut as close to the base of the sucker as possible, ensuring you don’t leave any stubs. Leaving a stub can encourage new sucker growth.

Caution

While cutting, avoid damaging the tree’s bark or trunk, as this can open up the tree to diseases or pests.

Dispose of the Suckers

  • After removing the suckers, make sure they are disposed of appropriately. Avoid leaving them near the tree, as they may occasionally reestablish growth if left in contact with the soil.
  • If the suckers have a disease or pest infestation, make sure to dispose of them in a sealed bag to prevent the spread of infection.

Tip

If the suckers are healthy and disease-free, you can compost them, but avoid composting diseased material.

Apply Tree Fertilizer

Once you’ve removed the suckers, you may want to fertilize the tree to help it recover from the stress caused by the sucker growth. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that support the tree’s health and vitality.

  • Choose a balanced tree fertilizer, ensuring it’s suitable for the specific tree species you are dealing with.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Typically, you’ll want to spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree’s root zone.
  • Water the tree thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients absorb into the soil.

Monitor for Future Growth

Tree suckers can sometimes reappear, especially if the tree is stressed. It’s important to continue monitoring the tree regularly and remove any new suckers as soon as they appear. The sooner you catch them, the easier it will be to manage them.  

Tip

Regularly check your tree, especially after periods of stress, pruning or weather changes.

Practices to Prevent Suckers from Growing

While it’s important to remove suckers, the best approach is to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Here are a few tips for preventing sucker growth:

Proper Pruning Techniques

Pruning your tree properly can help prevent the growth of suckers. When making cuts, always prune above a healthy bud or lateral branch and avoid cutting too close to the tree’s base. If you cut too deeply or leave stubs, you may encourage sucker growth.

Tip

A pruning saw or pruning shears will give you the precision you need when making cuts to avoid encouraging sucker growth.

Don’t Overwater or Underwater

Proper watering is crucial for preventing stress on the tree. Overwatering or underwatering can weaken the tree and cause sucker growth. Make sure your tree receives consistent, adequate water, especially during dry spells in winter or hot summer.

Mulch Around the Base

Applying mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and maintain a stable environment for the tree. A layer of mulch can help prevent sucker growth by reducing soil disturbance around the roots.

Use Growth Regulators (If Necessary)

In a few cases, if you have persistent sucker issues, you might consider using a plant growth regulator. These chemicals can reduce sucker growth by affecting the tree’s hormonal balance. Consult an arborist before using growth regulators to ensure they’re suitable for your tree type.

Remove Damaged or Diseased Areas

If your tree has suffered injury or disease, remove the affected areas promptly. Pruning away damaged parts helps reduce stress and can prevent the tree from producing suckers as a reaction to injury.