Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Species >> Trees

Aspen Sucker Stopper Misapplied: Likely Root Disease, Not Herbicide

Three aspens in Colorado had fungal growths in lawn. Nursery sold Sucker Stopper RTU (NAA). Owner cut two roots and sprayed ends; trees now declining. Asks if they can be saved.

Analysis

Sucker Stopper (NAA) suppresses sprouts—doesn't kill roots.
Fungal growths suggest root disease, not suckers.
Cutting roots added stress.

Action

Do not cut more roots. Contact Colorado State Extension or Colorado State Forest Service for on-site diagnosis. Likely root pathogen + environmental stress.

Contacts: CSFS | Extension

Trees: Italian Cypress Roots & Driveways: Low Risk, But Mind the Spacing; Trees Near Garage Foundation: Roots Won't Break Poured Concrete; Removing an Olive Tree in California Without Herbicides; Aspen Trees Slow to Leaf Out at High Elevation: Patience Is Key; Identifying and Managing Twig Girdlers and Pruners on Aspen Trees; Poplar Roots and Neighbor's Foundation/Septic: Barrier Option; Globe Willow Roots Lifting Sidewalks: Cut or Cover?; Installing Septic Lines Near Mature Spruce Trees; Aspen Dripping Sap: Aphids, Not Tree Disease; Saving an Oak Tree After Surface Root Cutting

Garden Articles

Controlling Locust Root Sprouts Without Killing Your Lawn

Protecting Tree Roots During Sewer Line Installation

Ficus Tree Removal: Stump Herbicide Prevents Resprouting

Maple Leaf Drop After Pruning: Shock or Herbicide?

Aspen Suckers in Lawn: Same Answer—Mow or NAA

Transplanted Maples Leafing at Base: Check Top, Prune Dead

Pruning Maple Trees: Timing, Technique, and Wound Care

Plants

Sudden Aspen Decline: Understanding Aspen Die-Off

Apple Tree Roots and Pool Wall Safety

Birch Tree Pruning: Avoid Spring, Prune in Fall Dormancy

Harvesting Pine Timber for Lumber: Feasibility and Financial Steps

Magnolia Surface Roots: Don't Bury, Plant Understory

Neighbor's Excavation Threat to Boundary Trees

Surface Roots on Honeylocust: Normal Aging, Not a Threat