They are usually only visible for up to about a week each year. During the recent storms that have occurred across the region there have been many examples of split co-dominant leaders, particularly in silver maples and green ash. Many people have removed one of two split branches thinking that will solve the problem. Unfortunately, the exposed wood on the remaining branch will be very susceptible to decay as well as being very weakly attached. Instead of removing the branch at the split, the entire co-dominant branch should be removed at the next lowest crotch.
Suckers are the shoots that originate at the base of the tree.
These shoots are from the rootstock and will not have the same characteristics as the cultivar. These shoots, if allowed to develop, may overtake the cultivar and the tree will revert to the characteristics of the rootstock. While it is impossible to prevent these suckers from continuing to develop, those removed during the summer come back with much less vigor. If your area has not been receiving this amount, supplemental watering may be needed. The important point to remember is to water thoroughly when you do water.