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. In these areas they are making my grass thin and pale green.
I have always mowed 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?
3.If I do this, maybe with a couple more suckers (I have the room) will my grass come back?
Thanks James!

Answer
Hi Bud, If you let it go, it will grow to be a full size tree.  There is no need to cut it away from the mother plant.  In fact, it will grow faster if you don't.
It is not impossible to grow grass under trees, but it is work.  If you want pasture, take out the trees.  If you want trees, plant things under them that like the shade and tolerate the water competition from the tree.  Your life will be much easier.
The growing season for cool season grasses is fall through spring. Most of this time the leaves are gone, the grass is in full sun and it stores carbohydrates to make it through the summer when it's in the shade.  In the heat, growth slows, so limit fertilizer and mowing. but pump the water to it.  Poplars are high water demand plants and the grass will thin and die from lack of water not the shade.  There are good groundcover options for shady areas that are a lot less maintenance.  Jim