Pruning a Weeping Cherry Tree?

Question:

I have a newly planted weeping cherry tree, last year. It is at least 3 years old. This year it has shoots growing on the bottom of the trunk. Do I keep them on it or do I cut them off. I know on tomatoplants they use to call them suckers.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

JILL from Shavertown, PA

Answer:

Jill,

These little "shoots" are called suckers on weeping cherry trees, too. You can cut them off or mow them down. Many people wonder whether or not they can transplant them and start new trees. Technically the answer is yes, but on grafted trees the suckers will be identical to the root stock, which is good and hardy, but doesn't exhibit the same desired qualities as the grated stock. On weeping cherry trees, it's best to remove all suckers and water spouts that occur below the graft union. They will actually grow vertically instead of having a weeping form and will ruin the visual look of the tree. As suckers reappear, simply cut them down. If they become a real problem, there are products available formulated especially to get rid of them. Trying to cut them away from the main root isn't advisable as the tree may react to being "cut back" by sending up twice as many shoots.

Ellen