Enviromental Protection: Removing Invasive Suckering Trees
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, sometimes trees need to be removed in order to protect the environment. One reason for the removal of a tree is if it is an invasive species that is causing damage to native trees and plants. One of the ways invasive species of trees can cause harm is via a process called suckering. Suckering trees are created when an invasive tree sprouts suckers. These suckers resemble a new tree but are in fact a clone tree which is connected to the mother tree via its roots. The process of suckering can cause damage to the soil and surrounding trees.
Below is a guide to two invasive suckering trees that are found in Australia.
Schinus Terebinthifolius (Broad-leaf Pepper)
The Broad-leaf pepper is a shrub-like tree from South America. As well as posing a risk to the soil and other trees, the tree also poses a health hazard. The broad-leaf pepper produces poisonous berries. Exposure to these berries can cause respiratory problems and irritation of the skin. Because of this, before you remove this tree, you should ensure you are wearing protective clothing such as gloves and goggles.
You can combat the spread of the broad-leaf pepper by removing the central tree stump and pulling up any suckers you see sprouting from the ground. Repeatedly pulling up the suckers will eventually exhaust the root and cause it to die.
Robinia Pseudoacacia (Black Locust)
The black locust is a tall tree from North America. It was originally planted in southeastern Australia by settlers and has since spread across the country. It is sometimes used for its wood. The black locust tree can be very unpredictable. Some trees never begin to sucker, while others will rapidly sucker, causing extensive tree growth which can suck nutrients out of the soil and cause surrounding plant life to die.
The thorns of the black locust make it tough to pull the suckers up by hand, so chemicals are often needed in order to remove them. A professional tree removal company will inject the tree stump with an herbicide. The herbicide travels through the tree to and into the root system, killing the suckers.
If you would like more information about the damage invasive species can cause to the environment, you should contact a tree removal company. They will be able to inspect trees on your property before recommending the best course of action.