Expert: Jim Hyland - 6/25/2009

Question
There are five (5) Southern Live Oak trees in my back yard in Sun City West, AZ (NW Phoenix).  The trees are part of the original landscaping that was done about 12 years ago. They are about fifteen feet apart and there is a Texas (purple) Sage between Oak #1 & #2 and also between Oak #3 & #4.  The suckers grow profusely from the roots of Oaks #1 & #5. There are a few that grow up from the roots of Oak #2 and no suckers (so far) have sprouted from the roots of Oaks #3 & #4.  I have been living here for the last four years and the only advice I have been able to obtain is "cut them back".  Due to the presence of irrigation headers, this has become a backbreaking job.  Is there any way to prevent the growth without damaging the trees?

Answer
Cutting the sprouts is usually the best method. If you were to use a herbicide the parent tree may be damaged. You might try a growth retardant. Have not heard it used on sprouts but it is used to slow or stop growth of bushes and trees. They are sprayed on the foliage and the growth is slowed way down but they will not damage the tree. I would try it it can not harm the trees and there is no reason it will not work. Check with your local tree nursery for these growth retardant products.