Newly Planted Tree Has Sprig At Base

Question From: E. Malaga - MICHIGAN
Q: Newly planted tree. (Autumn Blaze Maple) Has a sprig of growth approx. now 20 in. high at the trunk and at the ground level. Should this sprig be clipped off at the ground level to stop an adjoining tree to start growing along with the new tree. ? (1 1/2 in. caliper size tree, planted about 2 months ago.)

A: Remove it unless you want a multistemmed tree.  Best Nancy