How can my trees say so long, suckers? December 18, 2008 By Howard Garrett
QUESTION: I have a red oak with hundreds of suckers around it. I have tried a number of chemicals to kill them, to no avail. I have a St. Augustine lawn, and the tree’s suckers make the yard look unsightly. Is there anything I can do to kill the suckers without removing the tree? The tree trunk is about 18 inches in diameter. D.F., Dallas
ANSWER: Root suckers are difficult to eliminate, but it sounds as if you already are on the road to removing the tree. The suckers are part of the tree, and the chemical herbicides you used probably have damaged the tree. The best technique for discouraging root suckers is to apply a 1/2-inch layer of compost over the root zone each year and to follow an organic program. Mow the suckers frequently to keep them from growing taller.
_________________ Sandi Texas Certified Nursery Professional Texas Master Naturalist Organic gardener Tree-Hugger Native Texan
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