Bristow Garden Club saves trees

Trees often produce tree suckers when under stress in an effort to grow more branches. Stress resulting in suckers may be caused by prolonged drought, extreme temperatures, insect and other pest infestations, soil toxins, and more. The suckers typically grow and produce more branches in an ultimate effort to save the stressed tree; however, suckers can produce poor fruit, vary in species, and drain energy from the tree’s upper, healthier branches. Therefore, arborists recommend annual removal of any sucker branches for improved tree health and longevity. Ideally, suckers should be removed as early as possible, but some tree species require removal in the fall after the tree has dropped its leaves. Hawthorn trees are one such species.

In recent months, Bristow Garden Club member Sheryl Cortez noticed tree suckers growing from Hawthorn trees on the north side of town, along both the east and west sides of Route 66. She brought up the issue at a club meeting, where members determined they wanted to remove the suckers but first needed permission from the city’s public works department. Upon securing permission from Public Works Director Troy Davidson, garden club members set a date to convene and remove the suckers.

Last Sunday, Bristow Garden Club members Sheryl Cortez, Mary Stubblefield, Carolyn Kuykendall, Maurice Powell, and David and Virginia Ray braved the cold temperatures and brisk winds for a little more than an hour to save the trees from their overgrowth of suckers. They worked tirelessly together, removing tree suckers from trees between Pizza Hut and the garden center. Despite the cold, they hope the trees stay healthy for many years to come.

The club encourages everyone to check area trees for signs of stress and remove suckers as able, securing permission when required. Be sure to check with local arborists or OSU’s Creek County Extension offices with questions and concerns and remember to garden responsibly.