Controlling Sweetgum Root Sprouts: Sucker-Stopper May Help

Endless Sweetgum Suckers: Grubbing, Mowing, or Growth Regulator?

Root sprouts (suckers) from your sweetgum’s surface roots keep returning after trimming. Grubbing (digging them out) is temporary. Mowing works in lawns but not in beds. Herbicides that kill suckers also kill the mother tree.

Best Option: Sucker-Stopper

Sucker-Stopper (a growth regulator containing NAA) is labeled for “ornamental woody plants,” which includes sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Spray it on freshly cut sucker stumps to suppress regrowth. Available at garden centers or Amazon.

It’s the easiest, safest method for bed-grown trees.