How to Stop Tree Sprouts without Killing Tree?

As much as tree sprouts might look aesthetic on the lawn or tree, they are harmful to the trees around. Because they compete with the tree for nutrition and water. And to prevent that, you need to kill the sprouts. But that might stress the tree and kill it. So, how to stop tree sprouts without killing tree?

Fortunately, mowing or hand-pulling the tree sprouts can stop their growth without harming the nearby trees. Also, pruning can come in handy! However, these methods need to be applied properly at the right moment. So, let’s discuss that. 

How to Stop Tree Sprouts without Killing Tree?

Tree sprouts or suckers mainly grow from the tree trunk or base and around healthy trees. So, removing these sprouts and preventing their regrowth requires mostly natural methods so that the trees do not decompose. 

However, at times, a few herbicides are necessary. Let’s know these methods in detail –

Pruning 

Trimming or pruning the young sprouts in the spring or summer is the ideal practice to stop them. But if you over-prune them, it might stress and kill the trees that grow these shoots or sprouts. In order to prevent that, follow these steps:

• Locate the sprouts around the ground and on the tree trunk. 

• Then, find the collar or swelling stem that connects the sprout stem to the main branch or trunk. 

• A few inches away from the collar, place a pruning shear at a 45 angle and make cuts.

• Try to trim as many sprout leaves as possible and remove the debris from the ground so that these sprout roots cannot regrow.

We’d highly suggest applying this method during late winter or the dormant season while the trees remain most inactive. It allows the tree to withstand the stress of sprout pruning. For more insights, here is a clip:

Hand Removal 

The most natural and easy way to stop tree suckers is by pulling them out of the ground or branch. And here is the process as follows:

• Wear leather gloves and loosen the soil around the young sprouts on the ground or near the base of the tree.

• Then, hold the top of the sprout stem and move it back and forth.

• Once the stem seems loose enough, pull out the sprouts one by one. 

• If the sprouts are on the branch or trunk, make a few initial cuts above the collar of the sprouts. 

• Then, pull the sprouts off the trunk and dispose of the debris.

Mow the Sprouts 

If the other two methods seem too much manual work, then consider mowing the sprouts. It will work best if most of the suckers are on the ground and they are young. Here are the proper steps for mowing:

Step 1: Choose the Equipment 

Ensure you have a standard lawn mower with sharp blades to remove the young and small sprouts. However, for sturdy shoots, the blade should be a weed trimmer. Check whether the mower is in working condition or not. 

Step 2: Adjust the Mower

Set the cutting height of the mower a few inches above the ground to prevent stressing the tree roots and the lawn. You may use the owner’s manual to set the height to its highest setting.

Step 3: Mow the Lawn 

Decide the mowing pattern, then mow the lawn or sprouts carefully. Once you mow over the tree suckers, mow around the sprouts too.

You may need to repeat this step one more time if the sprouts are too sturdy. It will kill the sprouts and prevent their growth.

During the growing season of the sprouts, you will need to mow them once a month for better results.

Mulching and Herbicide 

Mulching along with herbicide is the quickest way to stop the sprouts from growing. All you have to do is:

• Cover the tree base or trunk around with a plastic tarp or wrap.

• Then, dig gently around the sprouts on the ground.

• Apply a few drops of herbicide on the pit you have dug close to the suckers.

• You can also paint the herbicide on the sprouts.

• Add a thick layer of straws, dried leaves, or mulch over the sprouts and pits.

In a week or so, the sprouts will decompose, and their roots will not grow back. 

What Is the Best Time to Stop Tree Sprouts without Killing Tree?

Tree sprouts may seem tender, but they have enough stress resistance to grow back even after cutting them down. And to prevent that, removing them at the right time and season is necessary. 

Generally, the best practice is to remove them during late spring or early summer if they are on the ground. Because it is their growing season, and they remain too tender to get rid of easily. 

However, if the sprouts are on the tree branch or trunk, dispose of the sprouts during the dormant season of the tree. Different trees have different inactive seasons. Mostly the trees remain inactive in the winter.

Conclusion 

Tree sprouts are easy to remove, yet it requires extra carefulness. Or else a wrong cut can kill the trees nearby them. Hence, among garden enthusiasts and lawn owners, the most heard question is how to stop tree sprouts without killing tree. 

Well, no matter which method you apply to stop sprouts, we’d highly suggest contacting an arborist first. And discuss the dormant and active seasons of the trees so that you can apply the solutions at the right season.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):

Conclusion 

Tree sprouts are easy to remove, yet it requires extra carefulness. Or else a wrong cut can kill the trees nearby them. Hence, among garden enthusiasts and lawn owners, the most heard question is how to stop tree sprouts without killing tree. 

Well, no matter which method you apply to stop sprouts, we’d highly suggest contacting an arborist first. And discuss the dormant and active seasons of the trees so that you can apply the solutions at the right season.