Ornamental Pear Tree Has Shoots Near The Trunk

Question From: Georgetown, Kentucky, United States
Q: I have what I believe to be an ornamental pear tree. There are “shoots” that have come up about 10-12 inches away from the trunk. I wonder if I should remove these? Besides looking bad, it would seem that they really aren’t necessary to the health of the tree. Can you help?

A: Those are suckers and should be removed Mary as they will suck up energy bound for the tree. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy