A Warning about Growing Poplar Trees in your Landscape

Populus canadensis

April 18,1998 Mccull wrote: I have a friend who has been in a battle with his lawn for many years,due to poplar trees.little poplars are popping up everywhere all over his lawn from a old living tree.after every grass cutting,the next cut there is new little trees everywhere.they are very persistent,and an eyesore.any solution on ridding new growth would be appreciated in the war against the poplar. thanks, kevin. I am sorry, but I can't help you at all on this problem. Poplars (Populus species) have a massive shallow, and invasive root system. The roots can become such a problem that the Carolina poplar, (Populus canadensis,) is now even prohibited by law in some areas. All Poplar species must be planted with caution. They should never be planted near paving or drains because of the invasive tendencies of the roots. The new little trees which sprout up are sucker growths coming out of the roots. The only way of destroying these little buggers would be a foliar herbicide application; BUT unfortunately, (aside from the environmental implications) the herbicide would eventually find its way back to the parent tree, and destroy it also.