Crepe Mytle suckers - Ask Extension
Hello -
I have a crepe myrtle tree and I am continually having to cut back a thick cluster of suckers that grows around its base. Is there anythin...
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Crepe Mytle suckers #811111
Asked September 16, 2022, 5:27 PM EDT
Hello -
I have a crepe myrtle tree and I am continually having to cut back a thick cluster of suckers that grows around its base. Is there anything I can apply around the base to prevent the suckers from coming back? Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello Dave,
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to completely prevent Crape Myrtle suckers, but you can reduce them over time.
The best way to deal with them is to consistently remove them as soon as possible when they are still small by cutting them off as close to the roots as you can get. They will grow back, but if you continue to remove them, there will eventually be fewer to deal with.
You can also use chemical growth inhibitors, such as Sucker-Stopper or Bonide’s Sucker Punch, that are applied right after you cut off the suckers to help prevent suckers from regrowing. But keep in mind that this is a temporary measure and the suckers with begin to grow again after a while.
Sometimes suckers develop if the tree is in stress or if it has been over-pruned. So, you will want to avoid over trimming your Crape Myrtle and make sure that it is kept healthy.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to completely prevent Crape Myrtle suckers, but you can reduce them over time.
The best way to deal with them is to consistently remove them as soon as possible when they are still small by cutting them off as close to the roots as you can get. They will grow back, but if you continue to remove them, there will eventually be fewer to deal with.
You can also use chemical growth inhibitors, such as Sucker-Stopper or Bonide’s Sucker Punch, that are applied right after you cut off the suckers to help prevent suckers from regrowing. But keep in mind that this is a temporary measure and the suckers with begin to grow again after a while.
Sometimes suckers develop if the tree is in stress or if it has been over-pruned. So, you will want to avoid over trimming your Crape Myrtle and make sure that it is kept healthy.
