VALDOSTA – Sometimes a tree may start looking more like a shrub, with a bushy clump of young stems sprouting from the base or from a spot on the trunk. Those stems are called basal shoots, aka suckers because they zap water and nutrients from the main tree. As suckers are unhealthy for trees and unsightly, it’s important to know how to eliminate them and when possible, how to prevent them in the first place.

Why do they occur?

Suckering is a tree’s self-defense mechanism in response to stress to the following:

• Drought

• Over-fertilization; and

• Excessive watering.

How to remove:

• Prune suckers after they are identified as they grow rapidly and become large quickly.

• Remove small suckers by hand, using a twisting motion. The lack of clean cuts makes it more difficult for new suckers to grow.

• Larger suckers may require hand pruners or even a hand saw. When making a cut, get as close to the ground or even underground if possible. Be careful not to damage the bark.

Mechanical ways for removal are the safest and most effective methods. If you prefer chemical controls, contact City of Valdosta Arborist for recommendations.

How to prevent:

• Check the root ball to be sure it is planted at the proper depth.

• Water and fertilize at recommended levels.

• Before purchasing new trees make sure it doesn’t already have sucker growth.

• Keep two inches or more of mulch around the tree to help stop sprouts from coming up through the ground.