Poplar Root Suckers in Lawn: Can You Cut Roots Without Killing the Tree?

A neighbor's 5-year-old poplar sends suckers into the asker's lawn, thinning grass. They want to cut the roots but not kill the tree.

Root Cutting Guidelines

• Limit removal: Never cut > 1/3 of total root mass.
• Stay outside dripline: Cut roots at or beyond the canopy edge. Roots inside are critical for stability and uptake.
• Clean cuts: Use sharp hand pruners, reciprocating saw, or stump grinder. No tearing.
• Timing: Late winter/early spring before leaf-out is least stressful.

Methods

• Manual trenching: Dig trench at property line, sever roots cleanly, install root barrier (HDPE, 30+ mil, 24–36 inch depth).
• Stump grinder: For larger roots, grinder can chase lateral roots.
• Chemical (last resort): Glyphosate painted on fresh-cut sucker stumps translocates to roots—but affects parent tree.

Reality Check

Poplars (Populus spp.) are aggressive root sprouters. Cutting roots stimulates more suckering. A root barrier is the only long-term containment. Coordinate with neighbor—ideally they remove the tree. If not, a deep barrier on your side is the pragmatic fix.

Expert: Mark Harshman | www.prestoexperts.com/expert/markland