Control Sumac Tree Growth: Simple Steps You Must Know

Rhus typhina, the Staghorn Sumac, exhibits aggressive spreading habits, making responsible management crucial. Understanding rhizome systems, the underground stems from which new sumac shoots emerge, is paramount for effective control. Employing techniques recommended by the Extension Services, often involving herbicides like glyphosate, becomes necessary when manual removal proves insufficient. This comprehensive guide details how to control sumac tree growth, focusing on sustainable strategies that protect surrounding vegetation while addressing the challenges presented by this resilient species.

Image taken from the YouTube channel MOconservation , from the video titled Habitat Hints: Controlling Sumac .

How to Control Sumac Tree Growth: Simple Steps You Must Know

Sumac trees, while visually appealing, can quickly become a nuisance if their growth isn’t controlled. They spread aggressively through underground runners, forming dense thickets that can overtake gardens and even damage structures. Understanding how to effectively manage their growth is key to maintaining a healthy and balanced landscape. This guide provides simple yet effective steps you can take.

Identifying Sumac Trees

Before tackling the problem, it’s crucial to accurately identify the type of sumac tree you’re dealing with. Misidentification can lead to ineffective control methods.

• Appearance: Sumac trees are typically small, deciduous trees or shrubs. Look for their distinctive compound leaves with many leaflets arranged along a central stem.
• Fall Color: In autumn, sumac foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red and orange, making them easily recognizable.
• Fruit: Sumac produces clusters of reddish, fuzzy berries. These berry clusters are a key identifying feature.
• Common Species: Common species include Staghorn Sumac ( Rhus typhina), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), and Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix). Crucially, learn to distinguish Poison Sumac from other varieties, as it causes severe skin irritation.

Understanding Sumac Growth Habits

Grasping how sumac trees grow is paramount to controlling them. Their invasive nature stems from their robust root system and the way they reproduce.

• Rhizomes: Sumac spreads primarily through underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes send up new shoots, creating new trees at a distance from the parent plant. This is the main mechanism by which sumac forms thickets.
• Seed Dispersal: Birds and other animals eat the berries and disperse the seeds, leading to new sumac trees popping up in different locations.
• Rapid Growth: Sumac is a fast-growing species, quickly colonizing disturbed areas.

Control Methods: Prevention & Removal

Effective control involves a combination of preventative measures and active removal techniques. Consider your specific situation (size of the infestation, your tolerance for chemicals, etc.) when choosing a method.

Preventing Sumac Spread

Preventing new sumac trees from establishing themselves is always easier than removing established ones.

• Maintain Healthy Turf/Ground Cover: Dense ground cover competes with sumac seedlings for resources, making it harder for them to establish.
• Promptly Remove Seedlings: Regularly inspect your property for sumac seedlings and pull them out by hand while they are still small and their root systems are weak. This is far less work than dealing with mature trees.
• Contain Existing Plants: If you want to keep a sumac tree for its aesthetic value, consider using physical barriers to contain its spread.

Manual Removal Techniques

These methods involve physically removing the sumac trees, offering a chemical-free approach.

• Cutting & Digging:
  1. Cut the sumac tree down to the ground.
  2. Dig out the main root ball as thoroughly as possible. Use a shovel or pickaxe for larger trees.
  3. Be meticulous in removing as many rhizomes as you can find. Even small pieces of rhizome can resprout.
  4. Monitor the area for new shoots and remove them promptly. Repeat as necessary, as complete root removal is often difficult.
• Repeated Mowing/Cutting:
  • For larger infestations, frequent mowing or cutting back can weaken the plants over time.
  • Cut the sumac trees down to the ground repeatedly throughout the growing season.
  • This method depletes the plant’s energy reserves and eventually reduces its vigor. Be patient, as it takes time.

Chemical Control Options

Herbicides can be effective, but should be used with caution and according to label instructions.

• Choosing the Right Herbicide:
  • Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr are generally the most effective for sumac control. Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and translocated to the roots, killing the entire plant.
  • Always read and follow the herbicide label instructions carefully. The label is the law.
  • Consider herbicides specifically labeled for woody plants and brush control.

• Application Methods:

  Method	Description	Considerations
  Foliar Spray	Spray the herbicide directly onto the leaves of the sumac tree.	Most effective when the plant is actively growing. Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift.
  Cut-Stump Treatment	Cut the sumac tree down to the ground and immediately apply the herbicide to the freshly cut stump.	Effective even when the plant is dormant. Prevents resprouting from the stump.
  Basal Bark Spray	Apply the herbicide to the lower portion of the tree trunk, near the base. The herbicide is absorbed through the bark.	Effective for smaller trees. Requires a specialized herbicide formulated for basal bark application.

• Precautions:
  • Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves, when applying herbicides.
  • Avoid spraying herbicides near desirable plants or waterways.
  • Be aware of the potential environmental impacts of herbicides.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Controlling sumac is an ongoing process.

• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the treated area for new sumac shoots.
• Persistence: Be prepared to repeat control methods as needed. Sumac can be persistent, and complete eradication may take several years.
• Adjust Your Strategy: If your initial control methods are not effective, adjust your strategy. You may need to combine different techniques or try a different herbicide.

So, now you’ve got the lowdown on how to control sumac tree growth! Give these tips a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find what works best for your situation. Happy gardening!