Large Sucker

[ChuckR]

Could removing a sucker this large (just above the crotch) do major harm to this maple? I'd like to remove it because the canopy is crowded and it has some structural defects (2nd pic). It’s in a very windy location on a bluff near Lake MI.

 

[southsoundtree]

More picture would be better.

I would consider rcx to see if it's two trees or not.

Funky bark pattern.

Reduction would be better, from looking at two pics.

 

[ChuckR]

I wasn't real clear but the structural issue is part of the sucker. Here's a pic from farther back. Red line "points" to what I'm calling an issue.

 

[ChuckR]

Would like to remove it before it gets any bigger but that ship may have sailed before my involvement. I don't want to kill the tree it's growing out of.

I suppose it could be two trees. I assumed it was a sucker out of the larger tree's root. Probably doesn't matter at this point.

 

[Treetopflyer]

Cut it out just like any other large pruning cut leave a good sloped collar so water sheds that area best possible.

 

[Dan Cobb]

I had a similar situation with a tree in my backyard, except the smaller stem died. I cut it June 2019.

It's almost sealed the wound now. Other 2 stems appear healthy.

If you do decide to cut it, I would just make the best pruning cut and not worry about rainwater drainage as the callus will hold water as it forms anyways.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

If you could do the removal over a few years it should be better for the tree.
do you have the luxury of time? Remove as much leaf volume as possible to 'just' keep it alive.This should trigger the tree to quickly wall off the sprout.

Even if you removed the whole thing now I doubt that you would kill the parent stem. You might set things up for a larger decay spot though.

If you cut it now make a cut inches out from what you decide is a 'collar' cut. The tree will let you know where the proper cut is within a season or two. The cut may be suited for a recip saw more than a chainsaw.

 

[southsoundtree]

A chainsaw part way, then a chisel, I'd think.

 

[ATH]

I'd remove it.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

I think it would be a responsible move to cut that out! It’s like a fifth or sixth of diameter of the main stem and that would seem to me totally within the realm of responsible cuts. The tree will appreciate it. Zooming out there’s quite a bit of trees there. I wouldn’t cry for that decrepit piece of wood masquerading as a branch.

 

[ChuckR]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful.