CHERRY TREES: 14 July 2003
TL e-mails: I have a cherry tree which is approximately twenty-five years old. Up to now all was very fine, but now a lot of suckers are growing from its roots, in all directions! and even if I cut them off at their very base they soon grow again. Could you give me some advice to remove them? Another thing: I'm French, from Britanny, and I would like to visit Tresillian this summer if it is possible. In that case, could you let me know the nearest bus/coach stop?
R J Harris responds: "Has the graft been covered by soil? The graft is the point in the cherry tree's trunk where the cherry tree is joined onto a root stock. You can recognise it, usually, by looking for a pronounced swelling or protrusion fairly close to the ground. It should be above the ground's surface, well clear of the earth.
"If the graft has become covered, then almost certainly the cherry tree's trunk is in contact with earth. When that happens, the cherry tree forms its own root system and the root stock gives up supplying nutrients to the cherry tree and, instead, decides to put up its own branches. These emerge as suckers. If they are not dealt with they develop and, eventually, become a plant in their own right -- spelling the end for the cherry tree."
Two steps must be taken: one, the graft must be de-earthed and restored to its original position above the soil: two, the suckers must be cut off right against where they appear from the trunk of the root stock.
"Usually," adds Mr Harris, "earth has to be removed in order to locate where the suckers begin. Once the suckers have been taken off with the secateurs, the points at which the pruning cuts have been made must be recovered with the removed earth. That should stop the suckers re-appearing."
With regard to visiting Tresillian, the head gardener can arrange for this to be done, but an appointment must be made first of all. The estate is not open for the purpose of casual visits.
"Telephone me on my mobile," he says, "079 79 527840."
rjh
