Killing unwanted choke cherry tree and suckers - Ask Extension
Through birds dropping seeds, our yard has become infested with a large choke cherry tree and tons of suckers all across the back of our yard. We’...
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Killing unwanted choke cherry tree and suckers #643706
Asked May 31, 2020, 11:14 AM EDT
Through birds dropping seeds, our yard has become infested with a large choke cherry tree and tons of suckers all across the back of our yard. We’ve tried digging them out with no success. How can we permanently kill this tree and all the suckers?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello, and thanks for your inquiry.
As you've found out, it's very difficult to get rid of suckers from those trees that send out superficial roots to proliferate! Each sucker has sprouted from one of these roots, so digging out one does not eliminate the whole system.
This information from CSU offers some tactics that you may find helpful.
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1538-control-tree-seedlings-lawns/
You may also want to consult a tree removal service to get rid of the large tree and it might be able provide a systemic treatment that can then eliminate the suckers as well.
Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions.
Caroline R, Colorado Master Gardener
As you've found out, it's very difficult to get rid of suckers from those trees that send out superficial roots to proliferate! Each sucker has sprouted from one of these roots, so digging out one does not eliminate the whole system.
This information from CSU offers some tactics that you may find helpful.
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1538-control-tree-seedlings-lawns/
You may also want to consult a tree removal service to get rid of the large tree and it might be able provide a systemic treatment that can then eliminate the suckers as well.
Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions.
Caroline R, Colorado Master Gardener
