Knowledgebase

How do I get rid of sumac suckers in my lawn? #412443

Asked July 07, 2017, 12:30 PM EDT

Hello,
I dug out some sumac shrubs from the perimeter of my yard and how have about 100 sumac suckers in my lawn.  How do I get rid of them?  pulling them hasn't worked.  Do I need to dig out the whole root system?  Apply chemicals?  Any non-toxic effective options?  I'd appreciate any help you can offer!  

Boulder County Colorado

Expert Response

Sumac spreads underground via a rhizomes, which results in the plant sending up suckers. When you removed your sumacs, the rhizomes that were underground started sending up new shoots. There are two ways to get rid of the suckers: 1) dig up the suckers, including the root system or 2) try using an herbicide. Since it looks like you want to get rid of the sumac altogether, the herbicide route could work. I've attached an article with a lot of detail about eradicating sumac. Good luck.

-Boulder County Master Gardener <personal data hidden>

http://pvcblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/sumac-eradication-techniques.html

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2017, 1:34 PM EDT

Here is a link to more information about tree suckering.

http://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1538-control-tree-seedlings-lawns/

-Boulder County Master Gardener <personal data hidden>

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2017, 2:00 PM EDT

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