Possible to Control Chokecherry Suckers?

Question:

I have a chokecherry that sends up suckers in the yard around it. Is there any way to stop it from suckering?

Answer:

Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) and several other trees will send up shoots (suckers) from their roots.  Unfortunately, there is nothing the home gardener can do to prevent these trees from suckering. 

The best way to deal with sucker growth is to periodically remove them with a pruning shears as low to the ground as possible.  Mowing them off with lawnmower is also effective, but the sharp-pointed stubs might be a safety hazard to children playing in the yard.  The use of herbicides to destroy the suckers is not recommended.  An application of a herbicide to the suckers may damage or kill the tree.