Is there any way to prevent trees that send out underground runners/suckers from doing so?

Question

I have a tree that sends out shallow roots or runners that then grow to full size trees if given the chance. Can I prevent it from sending out the runners? And what is the best way to eliminate an already established offspring tree? Thank you!

Answer 1

most likely your talking about a silver maple you will need to cut down the tree and kill the stump get the stump sprayed to kill the runners cut down all suckers they will grow into the septic tank lines and bust concrete

Answer 2

The other answer is correct. Not much you can do but remove the mother tree. And then, if you don't get all the roots, the mother tree will be gone, but sucker formation will continue. Another thing, If you like the big tree, the only way to control the suckers is physical removal, cutting them off. Those suckers share roots with the big tree, so herbiciding them will kill or damge the big one. A contact herbicide like diquat (Reward) may "burn" the suckers without hurting those roots, but it will just leave a scorched sucker standing there, needing to be cut off because it is unsightly. So you have gained nothing that way either. To other readers: Some suckering trees, like White Poplar, are beautiful, but the problem this owner experiences with such a tree should make you think long and hard before planting one.

Answer 3

I agree with the other answers but one way to try to prevent from the start is if it is not a very big tree try planting it in a very large pot in the ground that way the pot will stop the roots and suckers getting away I am growing bamboo this way and no problem with suckers

Answer 4

Try getting it trimmed back to its mininum if that fails, probably
have to cut it down completly and remove it roots and all.