We have two Bradford Pear trees that were purchased and planted at the same time 14 years ago. The past two years one of the trees has started getting sprouts on it's exposed roots. Is there a way to prevent this from happening? Will covering the roots with additional soil stop the sprouting?
Sometimes Bradford pear trees are grafted and the graft begins to fail several years after planting. That can cause the roots to throw up sprouts as the grafted top begins to decline. I would say to watch the tree carefully for signs of ill health. You can prune off the sprouts as they occur. Make sure the rootflare isn't buried and that there is no mulch agains the trunk. Adding more soil on top of the roots won't stop it and can harm the tree. Newt
But you don't want the rootstock sticking up out of the ground, either. Soil should come to same level as where roots and stem meet, no roots should be perched above the ground level.
