Suckers on fruit trees

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Cymbalariadave Barnesville, GA Jul 19, 2007

I have a number of planted fruit trees (ornamental and fruiting varieties) that grow suckers at the base of the trunk and/or from shallow roots within the dripline. It seems easy to get advice on how and why to remove them. What I can't seem to find is how to AVOID them with a new planting and how to make the "suckering" tree stop doing that! Any suggestions?

Post #3755835
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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 19, 2007

I seem to remember seeing some sort of spray called Sucker Stopper or something like that, you might try searching around on Google and see what you can find. I'm not sure how well the spray would work, my guess is there's no way to 100% prevent it, some trees just do that and it's hard to go against nature!

Post #3755983
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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Jul 19, 2007

I'd guess with new trees, an important factor is rootstock choice: use rootstocks that are known not to sucker much if at all.

Also when planting, avoid any upward-directed roots; make sure the roots are level or sloping slightly downward from the base of the tree. And above all, avoid any root damage, either at planting or subsequently (don't dig in an orchard!).

And plant some of these?? ;-)
http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/BIS/flora.php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten&id=3605

Resin

Post #3756068
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Cymbalariadave Barnesville, GA Jul 19, 2007

Why, yes we DID plant C. muralis, Ivy-leaved Toadflax, and known in the US as Kenilworth Ivy. Delightful little vine that has now infested nearly every nook and cranny of our garden. We love it!

Post #3756122
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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Jul 19, 2007

I have but one Malus sargentii "Tina", which in the first two years planted suckered profusely at the base of the tree. None from any further out. Some reading I did advised to dig carefully down to the woody base of the sucker and pull it off. The advice was not to cut them as this encourages new suckers. This year I had only one sucker. While this method may not be at all practical with a large number of trees, it does seem to discourage sucker growth over time.

Post #3756524
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Cymbalariadave Barnesville, GA Jul 22, 2007

Snapple45, that makes sense. I'll try it.

Post #3765262
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