Hey Good People! Removing growth below the graft on an ornamental tree like a Japanese Maple is crucial because this growth, called a sucker, originates from the rootstock, not the desired ornamental variety (the scion) you purchased. If left unchecked, the vigorous rootstock will quickly out-compete the scion for vital water and nutrients, leading to the top, desirable part of the tree becoming stunted or even dying off entirely. Furthermore, these suckers have the characteristics of the common