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By Author: Erik Gartner Olsen
Total Articles: 24
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Understanding Tree Suckers and Bark Damage
What is a Tree Sucker?

You might have noticed an unusual shoot sprouting from the base or roots of your tree. While it may initially blend in with the rest of the plant, it soon becomes clear that this strange growth is entirely different. It might sport different leaves, produce inferior fruit, or appear to be an entirely different species altogether.

Technically, a tree sucker is a plant's attempt to grow more branches—typically triggered by stress. However, you might be wondering why this is happening if you have been taking perfect care of your tree. Furthermore, stress alone doesn't explain why your tree seems to be changing varieties.

The explanation usually comes down to grafting. Many ornamental and fruit trees are actually two trees spliced together: a desirable upper variety (such as a Key lime) grafted onto the rootstock of a hardier, albeit inferior, related species. Even if the upper canopy is thriving, the rootstock ...
... beneath may experience mild biological stress and attempt to reproduce itself by sending up suckers from the roots or lower trunk. While suckers can appear on non-grafted trees, they are most common on grafted varieties.

How Bark Damage Impacts Tree Health

A tree’s phloem layer acts much like a human circulatory system, delivering nutrients produced by the leaves to the rest of the tree. Because tree bark functions as a protective shield for this vital transport system, any scratch or physical damage to the bark also harms the tender phloem underneath.

The severity of bark damage determines the tree's chances of survival:

Under 25% Damage (Around the Trunk Circumference): The tree will generally recover without issue, provided the wound is kept clean to prevent disease.

25% to 50% Damage: The tree will experience stress, likely resulting in leaf loss and dead branches. However, with prompt treatment and close monitoring, it will usually survive.

Over 50% Damage: The tree’s life is severely threatened. You should contact a certified arborist immediately to assess and treat the wound.

100% Damage (Girdling): When bark damage completely encircles the trunk, it cuts off the tree's nutrient flow entirely. Saving a girdled tree is extremely difficult, but an arborist may attempt a technique called bridge grafting to bridge the gap in the bark and buy the tree enough time to heal.