Crab Hawthorn And Lilac Trees Have Suckers At Their Bases

Question From: B. Wendt - MICHIGAN
Q: My crab trees, hawthorns and lilac trees get “suckers” at their base. Is there anything short of trimming them several times a year to control the problem? Would Roundup or hitting them with a propane weed torch do it without hurting the tree? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Bruce Wendt

A: Don't even think about it.You will fry your trees. The best thing to do is clip them off as soon as they appear. Bonide has a product called Sucker Punch that will also safely knock them off.