A customer called with complaints of numerous suckers in her perennial garden from a flowering crab nearby. Tree appears to be very healthy and planted at proper depth. I believe it is a "snowdrift" crab. Does anyone know of a safe treatment for sucker sprouts aside from pruning them?

Reply to post by Dave, on June 19, 2000 at 08:55:06:

Pruing will not stop the sprouts, but keeps them from over running the garden.

Monterey Lawn & Garden has a new product called Sucker Stopper, an NAA compound that reduces suckering. The old asphalt spray Maintain-A had the same thing. When sprayed on pruning cuts, it inhibits srpout development. I used Maintain-A on many trees, with good success. I know it works on basal suckers, not so sure about root sprouts.

The label on Sucker Stopper is new, and not registered in all states yet. Check local garden shops and suppliers, or contact Monterey.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on June 19, 2000 at 08:55:06:

Russ,

Do you have the address or phone for Monterey Lawn & Garden? I cannot find them on the www. Thanks for the suggestion. I forgot that there is also another product, "Sprout Guard" that should be hitting the market shortly, labelled by "Pro Source". Waiting on final registrations in Minnesota (my home).

Reply to post by Dave, on June 20, 2000 at 02:09:24:

I have read about and corisponded with someone (cant remember either sorce) about the use of NAA products for reducing root sprouting. Use a pressure wacher to loosen soil and a shop-vac so you can remove sprouts at the root then reburry.

Execssive sprouting can be cause bey a hrdy rootstock that is prone to do such. I understand some siberian speicies do so vigorously.

Reply to post by Dave, on June 20, 2000 at 02:09:24:

Monterey Lawn & Garden

www.montereylawngarden.com
559.499.2100
559.499.1015 fax