How do you get rid of sumac?

Answer 1

As long as you have the original tree, it's going to sucker. If you keep the tree (or if the tree is in a neighbor's yard), the best you can do is continue to be vigilant with pulling or mowing the suckers.

If you're getting rid of all of it, pull slowly on green suckers to remove as much of the root as possible. Cut woody stems as low as you can (if already cut, make a fresh cut) and use Brush B Gone or a similar herbicide. This will get into the shared root system, so do not use it if you're trying to keep the main tree.

We're currently fighting sumac in a side yard covered with landscaping rock. We'll need to rake out the rock, pull and treat the sumac, and then cover the area with plastic sheeting and replace the rock.