Crab Apple Tree Has Suckers At Base

Question From: T. Thurston - Saranac Lake, New York, United States
Q: My friend's crab apple, planted a few years ago, has a few suckers at the base. Should I cut them off, and if so how?

A: Using a very sharp pruner or lopper cut them as close to the base of the tree as possible. When new ones emerge rip them off when they are in the infant stage. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy