Most trees are gone once the saw is put away. A Sissoo (also called Indian rosewood, or Dalbergia sissoo) is the exception. Cut one down and the roots left underground can send up shoots across the yard, sometimes a long way from where the trunk stood. That is why a Sissoo removal needs a plan for the roots, not just the trunk.
Why Sissoo trees keep coming back
Sissoos are lush and fast growing, and many homeowners plant them for exactly that reason. The trouble is underground. Rosie on the House describes their vigorous root systems as a threat to underground irrigation lines, sidewalks, block walls and even lawns, and says the roots can take over a yard after only a few years.
Michael Chamberland, an urban horticulture agent with the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, says the Sissoo grows large, is often given too little room, and is most notorious for sprouting new trees from its roots. Phoenix tree expert John Eisenhower told Rosie on the House that the Sissoo is not listed as an invasive species, but many horticulturists consider it a nuisance tree because of its aggressive rooting and sprouting. After a Sissoo is cut down, he says, shoots can come up from every root left in the soil, sometimes 100 feet from the stump.
Why cutting it down is not enough
A plain cut-and-haul leaves living roots behind, and each of those roots can send up shoots. Eisenhower says the result can be an unwanted forest of new trees, and that new shoots may need spot treatment over the following several months before the sprouting is fully controlled.
How Sissoo regrowth is controlled
Eisenhower described the approach to Rosie on the House: cut the tree down, then immediately apply a systemic herbicide to the stump. That treatment kills the stump as well as roots several feet from the tree. New shoots that appear afterward are spot-treated over the following months until the sprouting stops.
Heartwood’s Sissoo tree removal service describes the job the same way in principle: removing the tree and either removing or destroying the root system, with root treatment to prevent regrowth. We also provide stump grinding when you want the space cleared. If you are weighing grinding against full removal, read stump grinding vs. stump removal.
Why this is not a do-it-yourself job
Eisenhower points out that the chemicals needed for stump, root and sprout treatments are not available over the counter. In Arizona they need to be applied by a licensed applicator with the Arizona Office of Pest Management.
What to expect after removal
Plan on watching the area for several months. Additional spot spraying of new shoots may be needed over that time to get full control. If shoots keep coming up, call whoever treated the stump and ask them to take another look.
Is it time to remove your Sissoo?
To be fair to the tree, Rosie on the House notes that a Sissoo with adequate room, away from the rest of the landscape, is a beautiful and serviceable shade tree. The problem is that they are so often planted in the wrong place. If any of these sound familiar, yours may be one of them:
- Roots are lifting sidewalks or pushing on block walls.
- Shoots keep appearing in the lawn or planting beds.
- Roots are working toward underground irrigation lines.
- The tree is dead or dying. University of Arizona Extension lists that as a reason to remove a tree.
A certified arborist can look at the tree and the area around it and tell you what a proper removal would involve.
Sissoo tree removal in the East Valley
Heartwood Tree Care is led by an ISA Certified Arborist with more than 15 years of experience in Arizona. Our Sissoo tree removal service covers removing the tree and either removing or destroying the root system, plus root treatment to prevent regrowth. We serve Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek and the surrounding East Valley.
Ready to get rid of a Sissoo for good? Request a free on-site estimate or call (480) 269-5636.
Sources
- LawnStarter, 6 Worst Trees to Plant in Phoenix (quoting Michael Chamberland, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension)
- Rosie on the House, Plants: Out of Control (quoting John Eisenhower)
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, How to Hire a Tree Expert (AZ1003)
