Sweet Gum "Suckers" - Ask Extension
Hello, Maybe that's not the right name for them, but there's a large, older Sweet Gum tree in our front property. The roots extend out quite a way and...
Knowledgebase
Sweet Gum "Suckers" #761671
Asked July 14, 2021, 10:23 AM EDT
Hello, Maybe that's not the right name for them, but there's a large, older Sweet Gum tree in our front property. The roots extend out quite a way and new little Sweet Gum trees spring up from them (which we don't want). Someone told me that when I cut the little suckers springing up, I should immediately paint the area of the root with glyphosate. But I'm worried that could hurt the big tree. Is there something I could paint the root with to keep the little suckers from springing up?
Thanks for your help.
Montgomery County Texas
Expert Response
Thanks for the submission. Whenever we have "suckers" the best thing to do is just stay on top of them by physically mowing. As the sprouts get cut repeatedly and are not allowed to grow leaves, they will give up.....eventually. We use the same concept with oak sprouts. The main thing is figure out how they are propagating. Are they coming up from the roots or is it from seeds. If you pull some of the small ones out, then we can find out if they are coming from the roots or from seeds.
The effective herbicides will have ill affects on the main tree. Even if it is a glyphosate product. There are some products that are natural (horticultural vinegar) that will burn the leaves... but it will also burn whatever leaves it comes in contact with. Let me know if you have additional questions. MP
The effective herbicides will have ill affects on the main tree. Even if it is a glyphosate product. There are some products that are natural (horticultural vinegar) that will burn the leaves... but it will also burn whatever leaves it comes in contact with. Let me know if you have additional questions. MP
Thank you for answering so promptly.
They are definitely from the roots, not from seeds. When I mow, I can see parts of the root bulging up from the ground.
Also, I could not actually "pull" any of them up. I cut them earlier in the year (with the push mower and some with pruning sheers) but they are back.
I was hopeful that there was some sort of "pruning seal" product that might work to discourage regrowth without harming the tree.
We looked at products like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bonide-276-Sucker-Punch-reg-Sprout-Control-Ready-To-Use-8-Oz/45858487
The area where these are coming up is not an area we keep mowed very well. We are older and don't mow the entire place very often.
We definitely don't want to harm the tree.
Thanks again.
TL
The other option is to bring in some soil (about 1/2") That will put a little more distance between the root and the soil level. The product that you are looking at may or may not work. It does not have the gumball labled but it does say it works with suckers. If you decide to use it, let me know if it works for you. MP
