I have two Bradford Pear Trees at the front of my yard. They were planted ~1997. (The HOA requires all lots in the development to have them.)
Little sprouts that keep popping up from the ground around the trees. Both trees do it, but one tree does it much more than the other one.
They appear to be sprouting from the roots of the tree itself. They have leaves that do not match the tree at all. Almost looks like a different plant, but they are absolutely growing from the tree itself (I dig into the soil to check).
I heave read online that these sprouts are called "suckers", and are a common problem with Bradford Pear trees, due to the shallow root system.
If left unchecked, the suckers will grow a few feet high and turn into bushes unto themselves. So, I have been periodicaly cutting them down. Currently they are low enough that the lawn mower keeps them in check.
Is simply cutting off the suckers the best way to deal with them? Is there a good way to keep them from sprouting in the first place?