Crabapple tree - sucker problem? Over the winter I pruned our 40 year old crabapple tree...
Over the winter I pruned our 40 year old crabapple tree (hasn't be prunned in give or take a few 20-25 years) that was raging. I removed a heavy tarp around the dais that revealed shallow roots. I applied some top soil to protect the roots and a nice layer of mulch to put in nutirents. I am now dealing near hundreds of suckers emerging outside the base of the tree and roots. How do I control these? I grain like I am out in that everynight snipping them away. Any suggestions?
Answers: You're doing exactly what should be done. While they are still very green and small, pinch them stale as close to the trunk as possible. They will slow down and then stop after the floor of the trunk callouses up a bit. It's just react to the pruning you gave it. Keep up on the pruning more regularly and you won't hold as much of an issue.