Will the root suckers ever stop?

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Jace

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Purple leaf plum. freeze damage on trunk.
I'm assuming all these many many root suckers are primarily due to the stressed tree from the trunk damage.
So, if a person wrapped the trunk each winter, and suppose it eventually callouses back over the wound, will the suckers then ever be reasonably minimized, (along with continually yanking them out)..??

Probly much of an uphill battle.
 

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Yeah Jace, You basically have it.
Ornamental purple plums are grafted. The suckers in the pic are originating from the root stock. The tree is smarter than we are and is doing what it has to survive. Trees are self optimizing. They put out the amount of solar collectors (leaves) needed. The dysfunction on the main stem retards canopy foliage and promotes growth from the healthier rootstock. You can keep pruning these suckers to maintain the purple plum at least until energy reserves deplete. Be sure to remediate as best you can the whole system and its variuos ailments to slow this lower production. Monitor for infection and or infestation. Down here your tree in situ would be a great candidate for black knot infection and ambrosia beetle infestation.
Remember, suckers do not suck. they are an energy sink.
 
RootCollar.jpg

Find the root collar see your problem.
 

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