Sweet gum roots

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Mo5383 Cypress, TX(Zone 9a) May 15, 2003

I had to cut down a mature sweet gum tree last year due to lightning damage. Since then, I have sprouts coming up all over the yard and can't seem to get rid of them. They are quite persistent. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Post #530422
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raisedbedbob Walkerton, VA(Zone 7a) May 16, 2003

Are you sure they're not seedlings? We have lots of sweet gums here in southern Maryland, and the seeds germinate like crazy. They sprout all over the place. I just grin and bear it and pull them if they are in my way.
Bob

Post #530588
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Mo5383 Cypress, TX(Zone 9a) May 16, 2003

no, i'm sure it's from the root system. they're everywhere! it's driving me crazy!

thanks

Post #530816
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mgrodzin Lewisville, TX Sep 01, 2004

I just cut down two sweet gums and removed the stumps, and now I'm getting sprouts throughout the area. This just starting happening with the removal of the trees. Any suggestions of what to do? Did you ever find a solution?

Post #1030386
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Magpye NW Qtr, AR(Zone 6a) Sep 04, 2004

The best way that we found .. was to use diesel.
Yank off any new sprouts, and apply diesel at the 'break off' point/wound. Mite want to use a
chainsaw (or an axe/hatchet) etc., so as to 'girdle' or 'wound' any exposed roots ya see.
Use an old mop, or an ol rag, etc., and saturate the exposed 'wounds' and 'soak' 'em good. Be
sure to put an ample amount onto any stump/s that remain also. The diesel will get into the root
system far quicker ... and do its job. If ya get a rain or two, after this 1st application .. just repeat
it again soon as you can.

Post #1033698
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arptiger Tyler, TX(Zone 8a) Sep 05, 2004


Mgrodzin, If you can find some "Tordon" It will take care of that , I use "Sahara" to control weeds and brush on the fence rows

Post #1035933
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mdvaden Beaverton, OR Sep 12, 2004

Tordon has environmental persistence.

Most pesticides kill good microorganisms in soil. Usually, non-herbicide solutions should be sought, then chemical if no solutions arise.

Roundup can work if you let the tree root sprouts grow to decent size first, then spray them. But that may not be practical. Yet I have done it many times, especially with black locust.

I just finished attending the pesticides class at the local college for a fourth time in 20 years. Mainly for review, and it helps me with tree and landscape diagnosis. Each time I take the class, I appreciate that my pesticide use is always on the decrease.

About 10 years ago, I let my Oregon pesticide consultants license and my applicators license, both expire. Now I let other spray tank jockeys do the dirty work.

I think my use is limited to about 6 ounces of product at my own residence each year now.

Post #1045224
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