Question
QUESTION: I have a curly willow tree that was previously planted in a windy area on my farm.  This has created much bending of the trunk and the stress and damage to the trunk bark has caused a truck full of suckers, with little growth above the base.  It is too large to transplant to a more appropriate location.  I am thinking that I could trim the suckers and wrap the trunk with something to stunt sucker growth.  Any ideas? ... I'm thinking duct tape is not the best material to use.  Would this method help while the tree grows large enough so the trunk is stable in the wind and the sucker growth stops.  (Am I delusional in thinking this will work?) ... Thanks.
Tim

ANSWER: The suckers are an indication that the tree is not in good shape.  The best way to help the tree is to just cut the suckers off as they develop.  You may even try to root some of the young ones to have more trees to plant in other places on your farm.  If the trunk has grown in a bent direction, there is no changing that situation.  I wish you good luck with it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you ... The trunk is bent back and forth by the wind, the cause, as I see it, of the sucker formation.  I've secured the tree and had the thought that cutting the suckers and snuggly wrapping the trunk to prevent further sucker formation and allow the trunk to heal.  I'm going to do this either way and just wonder if you have a suggestion for what type of wrap to use.  Perhaps duct tape would work, but I'm figuring there must be some 'professional' wrap available.  Any ideas? ... thanks again.
Tim

Answer
Wrapping tree trunks is not a preferred method because that will actually promote rot of the trunk.  Leave it open so the air can get to it.  Cutting the suckers off as they appear is really the best way to help the tree.  You may have to do this several times per year for a while until they quit growing.  I hope this helps.  Good Luck.