Gardening with Gary
Gardening Advice from an Expert
Tree Suckers
Root suckers that develop at the base of ornamental crabapple, plum, and cherry
trees, and for that matter any other trees you have, should be removed now and as
spring forces out more growth. The suckers take energy, food and water from the
rest of the tree, and spoil its shape. Using sharp, clean gardening shears, cut
the suckers off even with the ground. Keep at them, as they have a nasty habit of
returning.
This will make your decorative trees look just like that, trees! Not shrubs.
Suckers do not bloom well either and tend to grow wildly in any direction.
On this subject, now is a great time to go through your tools, clean and sharpen
them well for the tasks upcoming.
Deb writes~ Is there anything to put on these to stop them permanently?
A. Proper pruning of young non-bearing trees promotes the growth and development
of strong, well-spaced branches that can support more larger sized fruit, resist
wind and ice damage, improve spray penetration for better insect and disease control
and improve light penetration for better fruit set, size and color. Non-bearing
citrus trees sprout vigorously from the root stock and from pruning cuts made on
hard wood branches. SUCKER-STOPPER RTU controls sprouting from pruning cuts, trunks
and root stocks. It is a ready to use product. Do not allow it to contact buds or
foliage as injury may result. Mix thoroughly before using. Do not apply it to trees
less than one year old as injury and stand loss will occur. Do not treat any tree
that is not vigorous, healthy, and free from stress. Apply when the trees show established
growth. Remove sprouts and follow the application procedures described below. Do
not apply to non-established or stressed trees as injury and stand loss will result.
Prune existing sprouts and treat during the dormant season. Thoroughly cover area
where existing sprouts were removed, but restrict treatment to the cut surfaces
and 2-3" of the surrounding area. Avoid fine spray particles from drifting or splashing
on surrounding fruiting wood or buds.
http://www.montereylawngarden.com/pdf/suckstopper.pdf
© Copyright 1999-2009 Recipe Goldmine™ | Trademark
No portion of this website may be reproduced without permission.