poppy

Sean, thanks so much for the advice, I will cut back the deadword and apply the seaweed spray but it seems this tree is nearing the end of a normal lifespan which I hadn't appreciated. I will therefore also cultivate some of the suckers. However, I didn't say but this tree is in my small backgarden in London which also contains several other trees including a Eucalyptus and Horse Chestnut as well as shrubs, flowers, patio and a small 'lawn' - so we have have to cut back the larger trees every couple of years! There isn't another position I can put a new tree so may have to replant in the same location if my present one dies. I don't have any problem controlling the suckers, I just treat that job as I would the dead-heading on the roses. Whenever I do a bit of gardening I cut the suckers down. They mainly come up in the small lawn area so get taken care of by the mower... Thanks again for the advice. Poppy