Bradford Pear Problems

[HerbG]

I recently cut a large Bradford Pear tree in our front yard. Now, sprouts are growing from the tree's roots and creating quite a problem. Is there any way to eliminate these sprouts and to kill the root system without digging up every root? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Dazed_Lily]

Herb- Welcome to Landspro !
Well, you just described a small area in my yard ! I actually thought thet I could let the fittest sprout--and they will get as tall as saplings- grow and it would be a new tree. In the meantime, I bought a Cleveland Select which is less prone to weather damage.
I have cut back all sprouts now but it's an eyesore much as you describe.
I am going to try stump killer and drill into the original stump.
Not much advice from me but at least some validation that it happens !
I'll also be reading to see what others recommend !
Again welcome, be sure to post some more !

[Ann B.]

Herb,

Welcome to Landspro!

I am having a similar problem with Privet, Popcorn trees, you name it...

I purchased the following product:

http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/Brush-Killer-Plus/ready-to-use.html

I don't know, YET, if it will work, but I'm going to give it a try. I cannot dig up all of these monsters, especially those downed by hurricanes and coming back from the root stock (not good).

If you try it, please do let us know how it works.

Again, WELCOME!

[Tom]

There are selective herbicides that will kill just about any plant you have. The trick is to determine the type grass or plants that you do NOT want to kill, and the plant that you do want to kill.

I cannot tell you how many sad stories I've heard when someone selected a chemical based on just one of those criteria. They end up killing large sections of grass, flowers, shrubs or other desirable plants. A chemical formula for woody-stemmed plants should do the trick on the Bradford and Privet.


The best solution may be to just try and kill the stump, or have it ground out. If you continue to mow the root sprouts, they will die eventually.

[HerbG]

Thanks to everybody for the helpful replies! I'm going to apply Brush Killer Plus by drilling into the stump and exposed roots being careful to avoid nearby shrubs and grass. I will post again when I have something to report.

[sue salley]

Hi Herb and welcome.
I have been cutting a variety of saplings and spraying with brush killer. It says it will kill stumps. Let's hope so. I also read something interesting the other day but haven't tried it yet. It said to put baking soda on the stump and let it set for a couple of hours then add vinegar. I would think drilling a hole to put it in would work best. I use this mix to clean coins and some jewelry and to unclog sinks so it might work. Since I have asthma and can't use a lot of cleaners I use baking soda and vinegar a lot for many different things. I might have to try this just out of curiosity.