I have about a 20 year old Bradford Pear in my front yard. The yard is slightly sloping. My problem is that there are alot of roots exposed and "suckers" growing from the roots. It makes it very difficult to mow my lawn and I have to use my shears to cut down the suckers between mowings. Any suggestions?
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treeclimber165
Member A.K.A Skwerl
Typically I have seen sprouts from roots coming from stressed trees. The tree is trying to guarantee survival of the species, in case it doesn't make it. I would fertilize the tree, but not so heavy as to burn it. Also maybe adding some dirt around the roots to build up the ground. Also check out this other post from last month, concerning exposed roots.
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?threadid=147
Otherwise, keep your pruners handy till the tree gets healthier. Keep in mind that 'weed control' chemicals like those found in "weed 'n' feed" can hurt the tree. Good luck with it!
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?threadid=147
Otherwise, keep your pruners handy till the tree gets healthier. Keep in mind that 'weed control' chemicals like those found in "weed 'n' feed" can hurt the tree. Good luck with it!
Thanks for your reply. I'll try the suggestions. What brand(s) and what kind of ferterlizer do you recommend for this bradford pear? I am also going to add some soil on top of the roots. Also, I don't think this tree has ever been pruned. A few bradfords in the neighborhood have been damaged/split from storms (tis the season). Being that this is a townhouse development, these fallen/split trees can cause some damage to the parked vehicles or homes -- they are planted in very small front yards. I like this tree for the wonderful spring blossoms and grand shade but I don't like the possibilty of it splitting and causing damage. Would pruning help?
treeclimber165
Member A.K.A Skwerl
PROPER pruning can help reduce the chance of splitting limbs. Lightening up or removing weak limbs or limbs with weak forks, damaged/rubbing/crossed limbs, etc. If you don't know what to look for, having an arborist inspect/prune the tree every few years can help a lot.
John Paul Sanborn
Above average climber
Bradford is notorious for these problems. For sprouts I\'ve started using a growth regulator caled Sucker Stopper, distributed by Monterey Lawn and Garden Products.
http://www.montereylawngarden.com/faqs/sucker_stopper.html
The Lable Is The Law. http://www.montereylawngarden.com/pdf/suckstopper.pdf
It works rather well, the sprouts wither away. I\'ve used it on Malus and Tillia. Today I did a test spray on Gleditsia (not on lable). I believ one must be licensed to use it, so you may need to call contract this work.
http://www.montereylawngarden.com/faqs/sucker_stopper.html
The Lable Is The Law. http://www.montereylawngarden.com/pdf/suckstopper.pdf
It works rather well, the sprouts wither away. I\'ve used it on Malus and Tillia. Today I did a test spray on Gleditsia (not on lable). I believ one must be licensed to use it, so you may need to call contract this work.
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