How to Get Rid of Tree Suckers (The Ultimate Guide)

Do you have a tree in your yard that keeps sprouting new growth? If so, you may be dealing with tree suckers. Tree suckers are shoots that grow from the roots of a tree, and they can be a nuisance. They can take away from the tree’s appearance, and they can also make it more difficult to mow the lawn.

In this article, we will discuss what tree suckers are, why they occur, and how to get rid of them. We will also provide tips on how to prevent tree suckers from coming back.

So if you’re tired of dealing with tree suckers, read on for all the information you need to know.

Method	Steps	Benefits
Chemicals	Apply a herbicide to the suckers Follow the directions on the product label Reapply as needed	Quick and easy Effective May damage surrounding plants
Physical removal	Dig up the suckers Cut the suckers off at the base Cover the stump with mulch	Non-toxic Requires more effort May not be as effective
Prevention	Prune the tree regularly Mulch around the tree Avoid overwatering the tree	Long-term solution Requires minimal effort May not be as effective

Tree suckers are a common problem for trees, especially young trees. They are shoots that grow from the roots or trunk of a tree, and they can compete with the main tree for nutrients and water. This can stunt the growth of the main tree and make it more susceptible to disease. In some cases, tree suckers can even cause the main tree to die.

There are a number of ways to remove tree suckers, but the best method will vary depending on the size and location of the suckers. In this article, we will discuss how to identify tree suckers, when to remove them, and how to do so safely. We will also provide tips on how to prevent tree suckers from coming back.

Identifying Tree Suckers

Tree suckers are shoots that grow from the roots or trunk of a tree. They are typically found in clusters, and they can be distinguished from the main tree by their color, size, and shape.

• Color: Tree suckers are often a lighter color than the main tree. This is because they do not receive as much sunlight.
• Size: Tree suckers are typically smaller than the main tree. They may also be thinner or have a different leaf shape.
• Shape: Tree suckers often have a more irregular shape than the main tree. They may be forked or twisted, and they may have fewer leaves.

If you are not sure if a growth is a tree sucker, it is best to err on the side of caution and remove it.

When to Remove Tree Suckers

The best time to remove tree suckers is in the early spring, before they have a chance to grow large. This will make the job easier and less damaging to the main tree.

However, it is also important to remove tree suckers as soon as you notice them. This is because they can quickly grow large and become difficult to remove. If you wait too long, you may also damage the main tree by trying to remove the suckers.

How to Remove Tree Suckers Safely

Removing tree suckers is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do so safely. Here are a few tips:

• Use sharp, clean tools. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands. Tree suckers can be sharp and can cause injury.
• Work slowly and carefully. It is easy to damage the main tree if you are not careful.
• Be prepared for sap. Tree suckers often produce sap, which can be messy.

What Tools You Will Need

The tools you will need to remove tree suckers will vary depending on the size and location of the suckers. However, you will typically need the following:

• A sharp, clean knife or saw
• A pair of gloves
• A bucket or container to catch the sap

How to Prevent Tree Suckers from Coming Back

Once you have removed the tree suckers, you can take steps to prevent them from coming back. Here are a few tips:

• Prune the tree regularly. This will help to keep the tree healthy and strong, and it will also help to prevent the formation of new suckers.
• Water the tree regularly. This will help to keep the tree healthy and strong, and it will also help to prevent the formation of new suckers.
• Fertilize the tree according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to keep the tree healthy and strong, and it will also help to prevent the formation of new suckers.

Tree suckers can be a nuisance, but they can also be a serious problem. By following the tips in this article, you can safely and effectively remove tree suckers and prevent them from coming back.

Additional Resources

• [How to Remove Tree Suckers](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-tree-suckers-4182155)
• [Tree Suckers: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees/tree-suckers/tree-suckers-removal.htm)
• [How to Prevent Tree Suckers](https://www.extension.org/pages/60816/how-to-prevent-tree-suckers)

3. Managing Tree Suckers

Tree suckers are a common problem for many homeowners. They can be unsightly, and they can also damage trees. There are a number of ways to manage tree suckers, depending on the size of the problem and the type of tree.

• How to manage tree suckers on a large scale

If you have a large number of tree suckers, you may need to take more drastic measures to control them. One option is to prune the tree back to the point where the suckers are no longer attached. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it is often the most effective way to get rid of tree suckers.

Another option is to apply a herbicide to the suckers. This will kill the suckers and prevent them from growing back. However, it is important to use a herbicide that is specifically designed for trees, and to follow the directions on the label carefully.

• How to prevent tree suckers from becoming a problem

The best way to prevent tree suckers is to prune your trees regularly. This will help to keep the tree healthy and strong, and it will also make it less likely for suckers to develop. When you prune your trees, be sure to remove any suckers that you see.

You can also help to prevent tree suckers by watering your trees regularly and fertilizing them according to the directions on the fertilizer label. Healthy trees are less likely to develop suckers.

• What to do if you have a lot of tree suckers

If you have a lot of tree suckers, you may want to consider hiring a professional tree service to help you. A professional tree service will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. They will also be able to safely prune your trees and apply herbicides, if necessary.

4. FAQs

• What are the different types of tree suckers?

There are two main types of tree suckers: adventitious and epicormic. Adventitious suckers are new shoots that grow from the roots of a tree. Epicormic suckers are new shoots that grow from the trunk or branches of a tree.

• How do tree suckers damage trees?

Tree suckers can damage trees in a number of ways. They can compete with the tree for water and nutrients, which can weaken the tree. They can also block sunlight from reaching the leaves of the tree, which can stunt growth. In some cases, tree suckers can even cause the tree to fall over.

• What are the risks of removing tree suckers?

There are a few risks associated with removing tree suckers. One risk is that you could damage the tree. If you are not careful, you could cut into the tree’s bark or damage its roots. Another risk is that you could introduce pests or diseases into the tree. If you are not using proper safety precautions, you could also get injured.

• What are the benefits of removing tree suckers?

There are a number of benefits to removing tree suckers. By removing tree suckers, you can help to keep your tree healthy and strong. You can also prevent damage to the tree and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Additionally, removing tree suckers can improve the appearance of your tree.

Tree suckers can be a nuisance, but they can also be a serious problem. By understanding the different types of tree suckers and the risks and benefits of removing them, you can make informed decisions about how to manage them.

How do I get rid of tree suckers?

There are a few different ways to get rid of tree suckers. The best method for you will depend on the size and location of the suckers, as well as the type of tree they are coming from.

• Small suckers can be removed by hand. Simply grasp the sucker at the base and pull it straight up. Be careful not to damage the bark of the tree.
• Larger suckers may require the use of a sharp knife or saw. Cut the sucker as close to the main trunk of the tree as possible. Be careful not to damage the bark.
• If the suckers are located in a difficult-to-reach spot, you may need to use a pole pruner or other long-reach tool. Be careful not to damage the tree when using these tools.

Once the suckers have been removed, it is important to treat the wound with a tree sealant to prevent the formation of new suckers.

What causes tree suckers to grow?

Tree suckers are caused by a process called adventitious growth. This is when a new shoot grows from a part of the tree other than the main stem or branches. Adventitious growth can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Damage to the tree. If a tree is damaged, it may produce suckers as a way to repair the damage.
• Stress on the tree. Trees that are under stress, such as from drought, disease, or pests, may produce suckers as a way to survive.
• Genetics. Some trees are more prone to producing suckers than others.

How can I prevent tree suckers from growing?

There are a few things you can do to prevent tree suckers from growing:

• Prune the tree regularly. This will help to remove any suckers that are already growing, and it will also help to prevent new suckers from forming.
• Water the tree regularly, especially during periods of drought. A stressed tree is more likely to produce suckers.
• Fertilize the tree according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A healthy tree is less likely to produce suckers.
• Avoid damaging the tree. If you damage the tree, it may produce suckers as a way to repair the damage.

Are tree suckers harmful?

Tree suckers are not harmful to the tree itself. However, they can be unsightly and they can also compete with the main stem for water and nutrients. In some cases, tree suckers can also damage the tree if they grow too large or if they are located in a difficult-to-reach spot.

How long does it take for tree suckers to die?

Tree suckers will eventually die on their own, but this process can take several years. If you want to get rid of tree suckers faster, you can remove them manually or treat them with a tree sealant.

What is the best time of year to remove tree suckers?

The best time to remove tree suckers is in the early spring, before the tree starts to actively grow. This will help to prevent the suckers from re-growing.

Tree suckers are a common problem for homeowners, but they can be easily removed with a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, we discussed the different types of tree suckers, how to identify them, and the best methods for removal. We also provided tips for preventing tree suckers from returning in the future. By following these steps, you can keep your trees healthy and looking their best.

Key Takeaways:

• Tree suckers are new shoots that grow from the roots or trunk of a tree.
• There are three main types of tree suckers: water sprouts, root suckers, and epicormic sprouts.
• Tree suckers can be removed by hand, with a saw, or with a chemical herbicide.
• The best way to prevent tree suckers from returning is to prune your trees regularly and to water them deeply and infrequently.