Bradford Pear gone over two years... roots still suckering!

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
sterhill Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Jul 06, 2006

I had to have a massive Bradford Pear removed about 2 1/2 years ago. It was about 35 years old and was HUGE. It was in the center of a large pine island with azaleas, etc. It left a stump about 3' wide and I should have had it ground out but didn't. OK - now the stump is still throwing off suckers and it is also coming up in odd places in my flower bed and in small bits all over the lawn. It has become the tree that will not die!!

I am not sure if I should start painting everything with Roundup or what - has any one had this problem and was able to fix it? It seems to be getting worse as there is more in the lawn and in more places in the pine island...

I hated taking this tree down but it was starting to go bad and all the arborists I talked to said 'not a matter of IF but WHEN'. They also said they had never seen a BP this large. They told me they usually crack before they got this big. Needless to say, my front area went from shade garden to full, hot Georgia sun. I still miss that tree - except during an ice storm or extremely high winds.

Post #2472838
Quote
Decumbent Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6b) Jul 06, 2006

It is not at all unusual to be seeing shoots two, three, even five years after loss of the tree. Spraying or painting the foliage with Roundup will hasten the end.

Scott

Post #2472932
Quote
StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Jul 06, 2006

This is a thread that the Bradford lovers should read!

Guy S.

Post #2473068
Quote
mqiq77 Danielsville, GA(Zone 7b) Jul 06, 2006

I have the very same problem,and I had my stump ground to onlt a few lateral roots,and they took off.I'm not sure of the root stock,but think its that sand pear,that is a pest.You are the only one I have heard of with a BP that old,usually the split with in the first 20 yrs.I think your answer would be kill the stump,and then have it ground,if posible.Mike

Post #2473122
Quote
escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Jul 06, 2006

I had a regular old wild pear that I cut down two years ago and it is still suckering. I have sprayed it with brush killer about three times already, so be prepared to do it more than once.

Post #2473459
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP