Stopping Stumps from Sprouting - Knowledgebase Question

Woodinville, WA
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Question by bajcfitz
June 4, 2000
What is the best way to keep suckers from growing back on the stump of a maple tree? (The tree was cut down 1 1/2 years ago.)


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Answer from NGA
June 4, 2000
The suckers indicate the roots of your maple are still alive, attempting to gather energy through the process of photosynthesis (where plant leaves convert sunlight into carbohydrates). As long as there's an ounce of energy left, the roots will continue to produce suckers. Cut the shoots down as soon as they appear and before they develop leaves. Eventually you'll starve the roots out; they will have expended all of their energy producing suckers. Without reciprocation from the process of photosynthesis, the roots will die out.

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