The goal of the tree sucker removal volunteer group is to assist the Tower Grove Park Forestry Department in maintaining a clean, manicured aesthetic throughout the arboretum by pruning low sucker (epicormic) growth from trees. Epicormic growth occurs when dormant buds emerge due to stressors such as drought, soil compaction, wounding, construction disturbance, or as part of the natural growth habit of certain tree and shrub species. Regardless of the cause, Tower Grove Park routinely removes sucker growth to preserve plant health and park appearance.

Volunteers will be trained to understand and identify sucker growth, safely and properly use pruning tools including hand pruners, loppers, and hand saws, and sanitize tools to prevent the spread of plant pathogens. Training sessions, led by Forestry Supervisor Joseph Hart, will include access to the volunteer toolbox, an overview of available tools, and instruction on using GIS and the park’s mapping software to assign work areas. The group will then move into the park for hands-on training, beginning with a demonstration followed by supervised practice removing sucker growth from multiple trees.

At the conclusion of the training, there will be time for discussion and guidance on working independently throughout the growing season. After completing training, volunteers will receive an interactive map with assigned work areas. Volunteers without smartphone or web access will need to coordinate directly with Joseph prior to working.