stags-horn-sumach
oxfordboy
Posts: 4
Hi.
I have a Stags horn sumach which has not done as well this year, it has been grown as a standard and is approx 3mtrs tall.
Can I cut back all of the branches to within 20cm of the main trunk in the spring to try and rejuvenate it or would it be better to remove the whole thing.
Many thanks John.
0
Posts
The problem with hard pruning this one is that it will send up *lots* of suckers. Personally, I would try removing it and plant something else. Try and get all of the roots out if you decide to do that or you will be plagued with suckers.
John, get it out pronto.
I was so thrilled when I was given one, had it three years and thought I could contain it by spading around it. It was 4 feet max in height. Loved the "horns" / winter interest, in fact really liked it.
From advice on the forum we dug it out, or as much as we could find. I'm still getting suckers coming up 4 feet away from original plant, granted they pull out quite easily, but will dig the entire area over in Autumn and try and get rest out.
I was very reluctant to get rid but reading posts from others about this plant I'm so glad we did...or tried.
Many thanks Bob & Kef.
I did wonder if it would produce more suckers as we get enough now which I do control.
John
We had a sumach which, from an aesthetic point of view, I loved. However, it had sent suckers out all over our front garden; some as much as 30 feet away from the main tree. We took the tree itself down about 3 months ago, and I have spent those last 3 months trying to kill the suckers. I did another batch yesterday, and stopped counting at just short of 40. My advice would be to get rid of the sumach as soon as you possibly can!
Thanks MarionS.
John.