Thinning Oak Stump Sprouts

Removing all Stump Sprouts

• 1

  Snip sprouts off flush with the stump or root of the old oak tree using pruning shears.

• 2

  Score the cut off area of the sprout, as well as the stump or root area around the sprouts, with a knife.

• 3

  Paint on an herbicide, such as glyphosate or triclopyr. Coat the area thoroughly with a paintbrush. The herbicide tends to spread through the root system and may or may not prevent future growth. It usually takes several applications over time to stop growth completely.

Remove All but One Sprout

• 4

  Leave one sprout if you want to grow a new tree. If the stump is large, such as 8 inches in diameter or bigger, pick a sprout that is farther away from the stump, growing out of the root system. This gives the new tree room to put out new roots without being blocked on one side by the stump. If the stump is small, a new oak will eventually envelop the stump, so a sprout closer to or growing out of the stump can be chosen.

• 5

  Selectively cut off sprouts around the oak stump if you want to grow a new tree. Cut sprouts with pruning shears 1/2 inch from the root, so that you do not damage the root system.

• 6

  Watch for and trim away any new sprouts, so they don't compete with the oak you are growing. Do not use herbicide treatments on the sprouts, since this may damage the entire root system.