Fostering Tree Suckers

Question

My barn cats used an Androscoggin tree as a scratching post and shredded the bark. The upper tree has died, but the roots are thriving. Suckers are sprouting from several spots about 6 to 8 inches above ground and below the damage. I like this tree. It is fast growing, works well in our sandy soil, and the roots are well established. How do I foster the new growth so I can have a new tree?

Answer 1

You can grow a new tree from the suckers. If you dig around the base of the sucker, check to see if it has its own root system. If it does, you can simply dig it out and cut it away from the parent plant. Then place it in a pot and give it plenty of water until you see new growth. Then it can be planted out in the ground.

If you do not see that it has its own root system, scrape a little bark away from below the soil line on the sucker and then cover the wound back up with soil. Check back every month or so until you see roots develop and then follow the instructions above.