Sweetgum – Persistent Saplings

Q: I have a fescue lawn that constantly yields small sweetgum saplings from a tree that was cut down five years ago. What is the best method to insure that I kill each sapling?

A: Honestly, the best way is the simple way: clip or mow the leafy sprouts regularly, thereby starving the sweetgum root pieces that still have life after the main tree was cut down. If you consistently remove leaves, I guarantee the sprouts will gradually stop emerging.