Question
We had a huge locus tree cut down last fall and the stump ground down. We planted grass seed where the tree used to be. Now we are getting tiny tree shoots all over our yard and in the neighbors too. The tree cutters put something on the tree stump before they ground it up. Now they say they did not charge us for this and will not do anymore about all the shoots coming up. Is there some chemical that will kill all these small trees? I understand it is a huge root system on this type of tree. We live in northern Ohio. Any advise would be helpful!! Thanks Marilyn

Answer
The sprouts are coming from the root system of the tree that was cut. here are herbicides that will kill the sprouts but most of them can also kill the grass. Mowing over time will cut the sprouts and eventually the roots system will run out of energy to sprout new trees. Might try one of the herbicides for lawns --these will kill broadleaf weed but not grass. Roundup could be used but only as a wipe. Roundup will kill any green plant it gets on so you could not spray the herbicide but you can put it on a rag and wipe the foliage of the sprouts with the solution and the sprout will take the Roundup down to the roots and kill the roots. If you have a lot of them this will take some time to wipe all. What the stump remover more than likely put on the stump was a chemical to increase the rate of rotting of the stump but this has no effect on the roots and the sprouting.