Plant hormones to control suckering
Q. Is there anyway to stop the new growth on my Poplar trees after pruning the lower branches. Is there a product available or will it just be constant cutting the new sprouts away as they appear. I have 5 huge trees that are a real pain and yet enjoyable on the warm days. Joye Blair - Puyallup, WA
A. There is a product used by some professional arborist called Tre-Hold Sprout Inhibitor. The active ingredient is a plant hormone that inhibits buds from developing. Therefore it is used to prevent suckering and water sprouts on trees both ornamental and fruiting. It is usually mixed with latex paint because the application is sensitive to sunlight. I believe there is a Ready-to-Use version that is premixed with latex. The application is effective for about 2 or 3 years. This product is not widely available to homeowners but you may find a local nursery that can order it for you. You can also hire a certified arborist to make the application for you.