Do NOT plant a Sissoo tree whatever you do!!! (popular in Phoenix area)

[Bungle]

Originally Posted by hikernut

Our next door neighbor's Sissoo trees have destroyed their own driveway. There are places the concrete has heaved at least three inches. Our drive is starting to show a little bit of movement now. What to do? This is one of those delicate neighbor situations. We're on very good terms with them today, but there's really never been any sort of conflict to be resolved.

Offer to split the cost of removing the tree and roots. It'll preserve your relationship and save you money in the long run from not having to repair your driveway.

[hikernut]

Originally Posted by Bungle

Offer to split the cost of removing the tree and roots. It'll preserve your relationship and save you money in the long run from not having to repair your driveway.

That assumes the neighbor wishes to take down the tree. That may or may not be the case.

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by hikernut

That assumes the neighbor wishes to take down the tree. That may or may not be the case.

My neighbors were very surprised when I pointed out to them that the huge weed in the middle of their front lawn was in fact a runner from their sissoo on the other side of their driveway. Maybe your neighbor just doesn't know?

[DougStark]

Originally Posted by Bungle

Offer to split the cost of removing the tree and roots. It'll preserve your relationship and save you money in the long run from not having to repair your driveway.

Agree. Friendly neighbors are priceless.

BTW, sissoo is not the only tree that does this (sends out underground runners). I had a volunteer weeping acacia that did the same thing. Little shoots would appear in my lawn (only to be mowed down when I cut the grass.) I got rid of the tree. Poplars and aspen do the same thing (where they grow in cold climates.)

[Tucson555]

I hired an incompetent tree company to remove two Sissoos planted by the previous owner of the house last November. I researched on the Net, that you need to drill holes in the stump and apply herbicide. The tree company insisted grounding the stumps will kill them. I made the mistake of relying on the so call professionals. Sure enough, this spring suckers started showing up. The company said they will not do any follow up as it is months after the treatment. I have since found parts of the stump that were not ground, which no doubt is connected to the root system. Luckily, the tree company did not in fact grind all parts as they claimed. I have dug up parts and cut them so that I could apply Tordun RTU. It appears to be working for the first tree. I also apply Round Up to individual suckers. Is anyone else is doing something similar? I hope to have the second tree remnants under control shortly with a similar treatment. Bottom line, treat the stump while the root system is in tact! I am not sure if I can post the incompetent and rude company name in this forum I dealt with, but will on social media for Tucson shortly.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Tucson555

I hired an incompetent tree company to remove two Sissoos planted by the previous owner of the house last November. I researched on the Net, that you need to drill holes in the stump and apply herbicide. The tree company insisted grounding the stumps will kill them. I made the mistake of relying on the so call professionals. Sure enough, this spring suckers started showing up. The company said they will not do any follow up as it is months after the treatment. I have since found parts of the stump that were not ground, which no doubt is connected to the root system. Luckily, the tree company did not in fact grind all parts as they claimed. I have dug up parts and cut them so that I could apply Tordun RTU. It appears to be working for the first tree. I also apply Round Up to individual suckers. Is anyone else is doing something similar? I hope to have the second tree remnants under control shortly with a similar treatment. Bottom line, treat the stump while the root system is in tact! I am not sure if I can post the incompetent and rude company name in this forum I dealt with, but will on social media for Tucson shortly.

It takes patience but you will win the battle. Just pull out any shoots. The roots can not remain viable without the leaves to provide nutrients. Eventually they die. Mine took two seasons. The roots, while still alive, will send up shoots anywhere you damage them as well.

[GarryHarris]

I've spent 4 years trying to kill a bamboo plant. No amount of digging out the root system, salting the earth or constant herbicide on the shoots will kill the beast. The smallest rhizome finds a way to survive.

[DougStark]

Originally Posted by GarryHarris

I've spent 4 years trying to kill a bamboo plant. No amount of digging out the root system, salting the earth or constant herbicide on the shoots will kill the beast. The smallest rhizome finds a way to survive.

Yeah, that's why garden books like Sunset will recommend that you first install some type of root containment material in the ground. BTW, They make these plastic edging materials that are very substantial and contain the bamboo's root system. They're used for newly planted shade trees near sidewalks too--keeps the roots growing down, then out eventually.

[Tucson555]

Would pulling the shoots be better than treating them with herbicide? I think sending something down to the roots would be more effective. I hope this is not a four year battle.