Question
Our neighbour planted a poplar tree five years ago. It has grown quickly and I can see suckers coming up in my lawn, and I thik they are sucking up the nutrients and killing the grass. Can I dig up and cut the roots without killing the tree?

Answer
Hello,

The roots can be removed. Use some type of manual cutting tool or use a stump grinder. A wire saw may prove to be a convenient tool since you would only have to slip it under the root. Burning may also prove effective. This method may stop the roots from growing. Mechanical removal methods do not stop the roots from growing again. In general,remove no more than 1 third of the total tree roots and stay outside of the drip line (the circular line on the ground defined by the edge of the tree canopy). Good luck.

Mark Harshman


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