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"sprouts" or stems growing from the base of a "dead" tree #647450

Asked June 07, 2020, 4:43 PM EDT

Greetings,

2 of my trees died this past winter.  Both are showing the "sprouts" or "stems" growing from the base of the dead tree.  Should I cut them off in the hopes that the tree isn't actually dead and all of its nutrients are going to the "sprouts".  Or, should I cut down the tree & let the sprouts grow?
Much thanks,
Ann

El Paso County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello Ann,
thank you for your questions regarding your tree suckers..

Some trees grow sucker all the time from the base of the tree, some only do it when they are stressed and lock for a way to survive. From what I could tell on your pictures there is no growth at all on the main trunk or branches. It looks like all the growth is coming from the root area. 

This county encountered a lot of dieback from this past winter with lots of delay in spring budding. There is a good chance that your trees might not have survived this winter. If your tree survived, the branches would be flexible and pliable, they would also show green inside if you break a branch and also under the bark of the branches. If the branches are stiff/brittle and break easily the branch is dead.

If you cut the trunk off, future growth would be multi-stemmed, it would have a bush-like appearance and would require yearly pruning to shape into a tree. Depending on what trees you planted that might be a decision factor. 
I would suggest to check on the branches and see what you find. If there is green under the bark you could give it some time and evaluate by the end of the month. If the tree is not alive you need to evaluate if the selected site is right for the size of the full grown tree with multiple stems in a few years. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 08, 2020, 8:59 PM EDT

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