Q: The crepe myrtles at church were pruned way back from a bush to a tree. Now they have suckers all over the base. Is there anything I can put on the stump around the remaining trunks to prevent sprouts?

A: The crepemyrtle sprouts are a natural reaction from the plant after being pruned severely. If this type pruning each year is required, you’ll have lots of base sprouts each year. Better to let them be the shape they want to assume or consider removal.