Hi Matthew, thank you for reaching out. Dr. Mercker says suckers are produced by woody plants when they have undergone stress or injury. These stresses could be a result of: hard freeze, cut down or excessive pruning, top death due to insects or diseases, herbicides or more. While the top is dying-back, energy is being redirected from the top limbs to the new sprouts (suckers). Homeowners can allow the top to completely die, then remove dead branches. Allow the suckers to grow and be sure to keep the shrub/tree watered during the first growing season. New foliage is rapidly needed to photosynthesize and thereby “feed” the roots. If it is a tree, then in the winter following re-sprouting, favor the strongest sprout and remove the others. If it is a shrub, then many sprouts may be desirable. I hope this helps!
