How to deal with suckers on a Bradford Pear Tree?

Question

I have two Bradford Pear Trees at the front of my yard. They were planted ~1997. (The HOA requires all lots in the development to have them.)

Little sprouts that keep popping up from the ground around the trees. Both trees do it, but one tree does it much more than the other one.

They appear to be sprouting from the roots of the tree itself. They have leaves that do not match the tree at all. Almost looks like a different plant, but they are absolutely growing from the tree itself (I dig into the soil to check).

I heave read online that these sprouts are called "suckers", and are a common problem with Bradford Pear trees, due to the shallow root system.

If left unchecked, the suckers will grow a few feet high and turn into bushes unto themselves. So, I have been periodicaly cutting them down. Currently they are low enough that the lawn mower keeps them in check.

Is simply cutting off the suckers the best way to deal with them? Is there a good way to keep them from sprouting in the first place?

Answer 1

We also have these Bradford pears (or some other such flowering pear) in our neighborhood that do this (some more than others). Some trees/rootstocks are just notorious for suckering from the base/roots. You aren't doing anything to hurt the tree by cutting off the suckers and this is the only (and best) way I know of controlling them.

Answer 2

Cut the suckers at the lowest point to can get near the roots to control the growth of each sucker. Otherwise you are merely trimming them.

Also, you are getting a different plant from the roots because your Bradford Pears likely were grafted from a branch on a mature flowering tree to rootstock from a related but different type of tree with roots that are more viable than your typical Bradford Pear tree.

Answer 3

I know some folks will say this idea hurts trees because it may limit rainwater reaching the healthy roots but trust me, it works and I have not lost a tree yet!

Purchase some thin sheet aluminum. Mine came in a roll about 14" wide, not sure of the mil thickness but it probably was used for roofing. Cut a piece that is about twice the diameter of the tree. Then, with a pair of tin snips, cut a semi circular hole the diameter of the tree on one side of the sheet while being careful not to get cut on the sharp cut edges. Repeat with another sheet and place both sheets on the ground around the trunk of the tree. Depending on the size of the trunk, you may have to adjust the size of the sheets and the size of the hole.

Cover the aluminum with a thin layer of dirt, mulch, etc. If you are worried about water not reaching the roots, perhaps punch a few holes in the sheets, but BEWARE, those nasty suckers may find the holes (:-)

Answer 4

I have the same issue. I've tried mulch -- the suckers eventually come through. I put down river rocks at the base of the tree -- the suckers grow between the rocks too. I trim them, pull them out, and occasionally I have used roundup when they are out of control, but nothing I have found eliminates them. The only way to control the suckers is to constantly pull, trim, cut as they grow. I hate this tree!

Answer 5

The last comment I read is the best "I hate this tree" It is a pain. Don't buy one is the best recommendation. I've trimmed them, I pulled them, I dug them out, I chopped the roots and I have mulched them. They still come back. They are relentless. They grow between the blocks in the wall. They're everywhere. What I'm doing now is just pulling the tops off by hand. They come off quickly and easily. This seems to be the fastest way to get rid of them. It doesn't take long to clear the area. All other methods don't seem to slow them down. I have to pull them every two or three weeks and it takes me a half hour. This seems to be the least amount of time and effort.

Answer 6

We talked to an arborist at a local nursery, who recommended cutting the tree suckers as close to the root as you can and then spraying them with Treekote.