Regrowth Keeps Appearing after Removel

Question

I had two ornamental Bradford pear trees professionally removed more than two years ago. The stumps were ground. After the first year, when there was no new growth apparent, new shoots started sprouting in the area where the original (smaller) roots had been growing. I was advised to cut these down below the level of the soil. I did this and it seemed to work okay. Now I am getting a virtual invasion, even up to 14 or 18 feet away from the original tree trunk. They are growing voraciously. Can I do anything other than what I have been doing up until now? These shoots are coming up even though there may be paving slabs! Please help.

Answer 1

I have had this same problem. Undiluted Round-up will help kill the roots. You will need to wound the roots/shoots as suggested (normally, people cut the suckers down and use those wounds) and then paint the undiluted Round-up on these wounds. The bigger or more wounds you paint, the better. The roots will suck the Round-up in and it will eventually kill them. You may have to repeat the process a few times to fully kill the roots if the root system is still strong.