Japanese Maple Rootstock Takeover: Remove the Green Sucker

That vigorous green shoot emerging from the base of your purple-leaf Japanese maple? It's the rootstock asserting dominance. Most ornamental Japanese maples are grafted onto green-leaf seedling rootstock for vigor. If a bud below the graft union sprouts, it reverts to the rootstock's genetics—green leaves, different habit—and will eventually overwhelm the desirable cultivar.

Action Required

Cut the green shoot off flush with the trunk now. Check annually for new suckers. There's no prevention, but prompt removal keeps your maple true to type. It's a small, routine task for a beautiful tree.

Green rootstock sprout emerging below graft union