Question
There is a large poplar tree on my property that puts out a lot of suckers that come up through the lawn. The tree is not that old ans looks healthy so I have been told this is more of an inconveniance than anything.
I have always mowd these suckers down with the grass but now one has appeared in a place that would suit a tree.
1. If I just let it grow, will it become a tree the size of its parent or will it be shorter?
2. Would it be better to cut the root that attaches it to its parent so it can establish itself better and get larger? If so, what time of year?
Thanks Jim!


Answer
The sprout if left will become a tree. The size will depend on the location--if the sprout is under the canopy of the parent tree the sprout will be shorter than the parent due to the competition from the shade etc of the parent.  I would not cut the root from the parent tree,. The new tree will draw water and nutrients from the vast root system of the parent and grow faster if left attached. Also cutting the root will damage the new tree.