Many garden trees produce a large amount of shoots in their gardens. This problem is most often caused by older plants. Causes of additional shoots include improper care, damage to the root system, and improper crown formation. Regardless of the cause, these problems have negative consequences for the plant. Therefore, many gardeners are interested in how to get rid of tree shoots in their gardens.
Which trees are susceptible to this problem?
Most often, suckers appear on weakened trees. Causes of weakened immunity include temperature fluctuations and improper care. Age-related factors can also contribute to the problem.
Fruit trees—cherries and plums—are most often affected by this problem. Root suckers are also common in lilac, poplar, and birch bushes.
Why does it appear?
The emergence of problems is caused by the influence of the following factors:
- Incorrect planting technique. Saplings can appear when the tree is planted too high or when watered with a stream of water.
- Failure to properly graft a varietal branch onto a rootstock. Incompatibility with the scion causes metabolic disorders. This leads to root depletion. The plant may produce shoots to compensate for inadequate nutrition.
- Failure to follow proper care after planting or grafting. Improper tying of the grafted plant fragment can be a contributing factor. If tied too tightly, the tying tape can cut into the tree. As a result, nutrients from the leaves are transferred to the roots. The appearance of suckers is considered a protective response by the plant, as it provides nourishment to the root system.
- Root damage. Factors that contribute to this include high planting, close proximity to the surface, and constant trauma. Root suckers often form from adventitious buds in the damaged area.
- Disruption of crown formation. Severe pruning reduces the flow of nutrients to the root system. As a result, there is a risk of green growth around the roots.
- Adverse weather conditions. These include drought and frostbite.
When shoots appear on the own-rooted plant, they can be used for propagation. However, grafted wildings will produce wild shoots that must be removed immediately.
Reasons for removing overgrowth
Most often, suckers need to be removed. The suckers connect with the root system of the main tree and share nutrients with it. This slows the development of the main tree. The flowering and fruiting process of such a tree slows down. Flowers and berries become smaller, and their flavor changes. Furthermore, the suckers take up a lot of space on the plot.
Instructions for removing undergrowth
To get rid of root suckers, it is permissible to use different methods - mechanical, chemical, folk.
Chemicals
Chemical removal of undergrowth is considered the most reliable method, but it carries certain risks. To achieve the desired effect, non-stop or general herbicides are used. These kill all plants, so the undergrowth can also destroy the main tree.
The root sucker absorbs the same sap as the parent plant. Therefore, if the herbicide gets into the root sucker structure, it will also damage the main stem. However, proper dosage can help avoid negative consequences. The most effective substances commonly used by gardeners include:
- "Tornado";
- Glyphos;
- Roundup.
Roundup is only suitable for killing young shoots that have not yet developed woodiness. Its action primarily targets herbaceous vegetation. Glyphos penetrates the plant structure perfectly, effectively killing both above-ground and underground shoots. Tornado contains a higher dosage of the active ingredient, making it effective at killing established shoots.
Powerful herbicides are suitable for the complete elimination of plants. They should be used to clear the area for planting other crops.
Mechanical methods
Most gardeners remove suckers mechanically. Root suckers can be cut off. Cutting them with pruning shears is not recommended, as this has the opposite effect. Two to three new shoots typically appear in the place of the pruned shoot.
Another method is considered more reliable. To do this, dig up the shoots in the spring, before the sap begins to flow, or in late fall. This is done down to the area where they connect with the horizontal root of the main plant. At this point, the shoot should be chopped off with an axe. It's important to ensure that not even a small stump remains. After this, treat the damaged area with garden pitch and fill in the hole.
Traditional methods
Folk remedies can also be used to kill the shoots. A saline solution can be used for this purpose. To achieve the desired results, it is recommended to water the soil with the solution until it absorbs it. The proportions are adjusted based on the tree's size. The larger the tree, the higher the salt concentration.
You can also block airflow with mulch. To do this, place 15 centimeters of mulch under the tree's roots and spread it over the tree itself. This will help partially block the flow of nutrients and lead to the slow death of the new growth.
Prevention methods
To prevent shoots from appearing, it's recommended to reduce watering and apply a layer of mulch. This will prevent them from reaching the surface. Also, to prevent shoots from growing, follow the planting guidelines. Keep the seedling roots covered with soil.
It's also important to avoid cracking the soil above the roots. Exposure to light increases the likelihood of shoots growing.
The appearance of fruit tree shoots on a property can lead to negative consequences. Chemicals, folk remedies, and mechanical methods can help combat the problem.
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