Something in my semi-quasi scientific mind questions the ability of poison to work effectively on the suckers w/o killing the tree.

I've already begun the work of repetitively sniping the suckers from the ground under my grafted prairie fire crabapple. I think it's just the nature of the beast with these trees.

ROFL, I like the first sentence in Toronado's post.

Anyway, pulling the suckers off when they are small (when possible) rather than cutting them off might prove more productive. Many woody plants will eventually reduce their suckering if the suckers are promptly and continually removed, and the suckers are slightly less likely to regrow when pulled off as opposed to being cut. There are also chemicals (not systemic brush killer though!) that can be applied to help reduce suckering.

Here is a link that might be useful: Example of Products Available

Crabs frequently sucker. The suckers disappear after being cut. Often, trees in lawns have their roots injured from lawn mowing, whereupon suckering occurs.

Dan

It was said: "The suckers disappear after being cut. "

Huh? Sure wish you'd inform my crabapple!

Hmmm...I was struggling with the best phrasing...the suckers that you cut will no longer be visible...after the next suckers come up and are cut, they also will no longer be visible...

At any rate, you can't stop suckering, and after you cut the suckers, those particular suckers are no longer visible.

Dan