Basswood Shooters

[UMC]

I have a Basswood tree in my front yard that is sending up shooters (hope I'm using the right term) all around it amongst the grass. Is there some way to stop this? The tree itself seems healthy, if that matters.

[Steve Foss]

Most of us call them suckers, not shooters, but we know what you mean.

Often a tree will send up suckers from the root system when the main tree is under some kind of stress. Could be bug infestation, disease, etc. Or it's just doing it because the main tree is getting older.

I trim suckers with a pruner if they are too heavy to mow over. If it's on your lawn and you mow regularly, that should keep them somewhat in check. Opinions vary, but I don't often use herbicides on suckers because I fear they'll impact the main root structure.

[UMC]

I can mow over them easily, they're just ugly to look at.

[Steve Foss]

they're just ugly to look at.

Most suckers are.

[LwnmwnMan2]

If they are directly attached to the main truck, I will clip.

If they are shooting out of the grass, I will spray them first with a glyphosate product.

[UMC]

Any recommendations on a glycophosphate product? Where to buy?

[Steve Foss]

Roundup is the standard, and should work well in your situation.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Make sure you don't get too wild with the spray if that's your choice, as anything that drops off of the leaves, will kill the grass underneath.

[UMC]

Thank ya

[Steve Foss]

If grass is an issue where the suckers are, you can soak a rag or a sponge in the Roundup mix and daub the leaves instead of spraying.

[Tom7227]

A trick for spot application of Roundup - a cheap dowel and a foam paint brush. Tape together and do your thing without having to bend over.