How to Remove Suckers Growing from Tree Roots Yourself

Root suckers are those frustrating upright shoots that spring up from a tree's roots, often popping up metres away from the trunk. They're not just unsightly — they compete with your tree for water and nutrients, and if left unchecked, can become a real problem. The good news is that removing them is a manageable DIY job for most homeowners, provided you use the right technique.

What Are Root Suckers and Why Do They Appear?

Root suckers (sometimes called root sprouts) are shoots that grow directly from a tree's root system rather than from the trunk or branches. They're especially common on species like plums, cherries, poplars, elms, robinia, and many ornamental trees. They tend to appear after:

• Root damage from digging, mowing, or construction
• Stress caused by drought, disease, or poor soil
• Grafted trees where the rootstock is more vigorous than the grafted variety
• The natural growth habit of suckering species

On grafted trees (common with fruit trees and ornamental roses), suckers from below the graft union will be a different — often inferior — variety. These should always be removed promptly.

Tools You'll Need

• Sharp pair of secateurs or loppers
• Spade or garden fork
• Gloves and safety glasses
• Optional: stump-and-sucker paint or herbicide gel (for persistent species)

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Root Suckers

1. Trace the Sucker to Its Origin

Don't just cut the sucker off at ground level — this is the most common mistake. Cutting at the surface leaves a bud behind that will quickly regrow, often producing multiple new shoots. Instead, carefully scrape away the soil around the base of the sucker to expose where it joins the root.

2. Remove It at the Source

Using sharp secateurs or loppers, cut the sucker off flush with the root it's growing from. If the sucker is young and the soil is soft, you may be able to pull it away by hand with a sharp tug — this can actually remove the bud tissue more completely than cutting. Wear gloves, as some species have thorns or irritating sap.

3. Backfill and Tidy Up

Replace the soil around the root, firm it gently, and water the area if conditions are dry. Avoid leaving exposed roots, as this can invite disease and further stress.

4. Repeat as Needed

Some species are persistent suckers and will regrow regardless. Check the area every few weeks during the growing season (spring through summer) and remove new growth promptly before it becomes established.

Dealing with Persistent Suckers

For particularly vigorous or invasive suckering species (such as poplar, robinia, or tree of heaven), repeated manual removal may feel like a losing battle. A few options:

• Sucker-suppressing paint or gel: Some products containing herbicide can be painted directly onto the cut surface of a sucker immediately after removal. Always read the label carefully and follow the instructions — some products are not suitable for use near edible plants or waterways. Check with your local garden centre for what's available in NZ.
• Avoid root damage: Mowing over surface roots or digging near the root zone stimulates more suckering. Use mulch around the base of the tree to reduce the need for mowing close in.
• Consider the bigger picture: If a tree is producing an unmanageable number of suckers, it may be stressed or declining. An assessment by a qualified arborist is worthwhile.

Suckering and Invasive Species

Some suckering trees are classified as pest plants in certain regions of New Zealand. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and crack willow are examples that can spread aggressively via root suckers. Before planting or managing these species, check with your regional council, as there may be obligations under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management or regional pest management plans. BRANZ and your local council are good starting points for advice on managing problem species near waterways or boundaries.

Safety Tips

• Always wear gloves and eye protection when cutting near soil level — debris and sharp tools are a common cause of minor injuries.
• Be cautious when digging near tree roots. Severing large roots can destabilise a tree, particularly in windy conditions. If you're unsure about root depth or tree stability, get professional advice before digging.
• Some tree species have irritating or toxic sap (e.g., euphorbia, robinia). If you're unsure what species you're dealing with, identify it first or wear full protective gloves and wash hands thoroughly after working.
• WorkSafe NZ has general guidance on safe use of hand tools and garden chemicals if you need a refresher.

When to Call a Professional

While sucker removal is generally a safe DIY task, there are situations where it's worth calling a qualified arborist:

• The tree is large and you're unsure whether root work could affect its stability
• Suckers are appearing in large numbers and you suspect the tree is stressed or diseased
• The suckering species is invasive and spreading beyond your property boundary
• You need to use herbicide near waterways, neighbouring properties, or edible gardens — professional applicators understand the legal requirements under the HSNO Act and regional rules
• The tree is protected under a district plan or resource consent condition — check with your local council before doing any significant work

You can find qualified, local arborists on tradedirectory.co.nz to get the job done safely and correctly.

Sources & Further Reading

• BRANZ – Trees and buildings
• WorkSafe NZ – Safe use of tools and garden chemicals
• MBIE Building Performance – Building near trees and roots
• Standards NZ – NZS 3604 and related standards
• Energywise – Sustainable garden and property management