Root Sprouts

 

Virtually all fruit trees are grafted onto a rootstock, which in case of apricot could be another apricot or a plum. Rootstocks are selected for their vigor, also their disease and nematode resistance. If the rootstock is allowed to grow, it will produce a tree, but that tree and its fruit probably will have no resemblance to the tree you removed. When fruit trees are planted, root sprouts will often appear for several years. The tendency to produce root sprouts usually declines as the tree matures. If you removed the tree, the roots can make an effort to regenerate the tree. These sprouts will continue to emerge and grow until the roots run out of food reserves. This process could take several years. After the root sprouts stop, you may have several more years when there will be an increase in mushroom growth as fungi colonize the roots and initiate the decay process. There are several possible ways to handle root sprouts. Where you have removed the tree, you can spray the root sprouts, if there is bare ground. If control without chemicals is desired, you will have to cut the sprouts off. In a lawn, the lawn mower will keep them down. However, over time very hard, woody little stumps develop in the grass at the soil line. These can cause injury if you fall on them or step on them with bare feet. I have a sharpened dandelion tool, which I use to cut them off periodically, several inches below ground level. CAUTION: Do not spray root sprouts with an herbicide if they are coming from the roots of a growing tree. Herbicides are translocated into the plant tissues and may cause serious injury to the shoots and leaves of a live tree.