Controlling Suckers on Cherry Tree

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rcn48 Lexington, VA(Zone 6a) Aug 05, 2006

We have a large (20'+) Prunus autumnalis, Autumn Cherry. Like most Prunus, it loves to sucker. Instead of suckering at the base of the tree, it sends up growth off the lateral root system that is very shallow. Easily growing 4' tall 6 ft or more away from the trunk of the tree. I can't 'weed' them without pulling up a 1" diameter root that is still attached to the tree. Consistent pruning to ground level or below ground doesn't seem to do much except encourage more growth! Does anyone have a method to control this type of suckering? More dirt on top of the root system? So when the roots surface they do not develop eyes? Only other thought we had was to put a mild dose of Roundup on the cut sucker, hoping it would kill off only that sucker clump and part way up the lateral root. That sounds a little risky to control without harming the main body of the tree. Any thoughts?

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StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 05, 2006

There are some treatments that are hormone based. Three brand names, in no particluar order, are Sucker-Stopper, SproutGard, and Maintain-A. They make the tree "think" the sprout is still there via hormone supplementation and thus discourage additional sprouting at the same location.

There is also a product called Finale that stops suckering but doesn't translocate far enough to do much root damage. You might check into that too, but I haven't used it and can't tell you if it is appropriate for your situation.

Another possibility, if you don't have lawn there, would be to install a permeable weed barrier or geotextile fabric beneath a layer of mulch. Sometimes that stuff can cause more problems than it solves, but it might be justified in your situation.

Guy S.

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rcn48 Lexington, VA(Zone 6a) Aug 06, 2006

Guy, thank you! The only product I could find with a quick search was Sucker-Stopper and think I'll experiment with that first. Unfortunately we have an assortment of really nice shade perennials (Epimedium, Disporum, Calanthe, Cypripedium and Arisaema) planted under the canopy of this tree which make it difficult to weed out these suckers without disturbing the plantings. However, it's time to try something a little more drastic and this may be our next course of action.

Thanks again,
Debbie

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Zeppy Shenandoah Valley, VA(Zone 6b) Aug 10, 2006

Is this what people used to use tar to control?

New to this particular forum... and having the same problem with suckers everywhere.

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