Question
My neighbors have an old maple near my driveway. For years it has been growing leaves in the lower middle right on the bark and I have cut them off. But they return. Why? Are these suckers? They are not growing near the roots--but right on the bark and get bushy. I am afaid if they are left to grow they will become limbs that will be very low. I also want to give my neighbors a real reason as to why I am cutting these off of their three. Thanks  

Answer
Sandi,

This growth is called adventitous growth. These would eventually grow into limbs and branches. Normally when a tree is pushing out this type of growth, there is a problem with the tree that is causing it to redirect energy from the normal growth to this type of growth. I would recommend that your neighbors have the tree evaluated by a certified arborist.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen