Trees are beneficial to the landscape because they create oxygen and provide shade, fruits and flowers. Animals use trees for both food and shelter. Because of those reasons, trees usually are cut down only under certain circumstances. After a tree is cut down, a stump is left behind, and the tree's roots often stop growing unless suckers grow from the roots or the stump. Taking measures prevents the growth of suckers and roots.
A tree's roots cannot grow after the tree is cut down because roots need nutrients supplied by the tree's leaves. Roots do not receive the fuel necessary for their proper growth if the tree has no leaves to undergo photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of absorbing sunlight and combining it with water and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and carbohydrates,
A tree can resprout after it is cut down, however. When that occurs, the new growth can develop leaves and carry out photosynthesis, providing roots with the fuel to continue growing. Sucker sprouts can grow from the roots or from the stump.
New Growth Control Methods
Sucker growth from a stump or roots can be controlled by spraying the new growth with a brush killer. Treating the stump with herbicide after the tree is cut down is an effective method to prevent sucker growth. Apply the herbicide to the stump immediately after cutting down the tree. Doing so allows the herbicide to make contact with the stump's vascular system before it seals itself. Common herbicide treatments include the use of glyphosate and water or the use of triclopyr in crop oil. Combine 1 portion of glyphosate with 1 portion of water to use on the stump, or combine 1 portion of triclopyr with 4 portions of crop oil to use on the stump.
Tree Removal Reasons
Because trees are valuable, arborists recommend removing a tree only for certain reasons, such when a tree is dead or dying, is planted to close to a power line, is overcrowded or blocks a view. Before planting a tree, know its growth rate, mature size and whether or not its roots can damage paved areas. Knowing that information can prevent planting a tree that will have to be removed. Many times, a tree grows taller than expected or its roots cause damage, making it necessary to cut down the tree.
- New Mexico State University Extension and Outreach: Southwest Yard and Garden -- Do Tree Roots Grow After the Tree Is Cut?
- The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Editor
- Colorado State University, Denver County Extension Master Gardener: Controlling Sucker Sprouts from Roots and Stumps
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Stem Treatment Control Methods
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images