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Preventing Root Suckers #867426

Asked May 07, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT

I've got a Harvest Gold Linden that was planted in my yard when my home was built a few years ago, and I have to continuously remove suckers off the root stock. I'd say every few weeks over the course of the growing season, I get dozens of suckers clumped together that are trying to grow below between the graft and above where the root stock meets the soil. Is there any type coating/covering/treatment that is available that I can apply to the tree to prevent these suckers from growing? Besides the hassle, I'd imagine that growth from the rootstock is depriving growth from the grafted tree.

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Dear Robert, 

Thank you for reaching out! I am sorry to hear about your problem with the root suckers. Here is a helpful article from the University of Georgia Extension that has more information: https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/5514/root-suckers.html

In short, the best way to prevent root suckers is to avoid wounding or causing stress to the tree. Adding mulch around the tree will help prevent wounds and protect the roots. 

Also, as this is a grafted tree, if the graft was not a great match for the size and variety of the plant, it may fail over time, thus producing root suckers to compensate. 

It is not recommended to use any chemical treatments for root suckers. Since the root suckers are connected to the tree, chemicals can be absorbed through the root system and affect the entire tree. 

I hope this is helpful, good luck! 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2024, 2:39 AM EDT

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