De-seeding a tree?

[FoxLee2]

Is it possible to spray a tree or put something on its roots to stop it from producing seeds? We have a large ash tree in our front garden and the millions of seeds cause so much mess on the lawn and all over the driveway. I've been having a real go at the mess this week, even digging out seeds from between paving blocks but after the wind today, I might just as well not have bothered. One time I even opened my car door and found a seed had germinated in the car. I guess what I'm after is a vasectomy for trees!

[landscaper2]

Not that I know of, it's the tree's main aim - to reproduce! Keep the tree trimmed to a reasonable size. Hopefully it isnt too near your house, front wall or paving, as this type of tree can cause damage to the foundations and unless you have a big front garden, its not really a garden tree.

[moonraker558]

Ring it that will sort the bu55er out.

[FoxLee2]

The location isn't a problem - it's right at the front edge of the lawn and we have a fairly big front garden./driveway.

Can you please explain what you mean by 'ring it'?

[landscaper2]

Methinks Moonraker is being mischievous!

[albaqwerty]

He had an issue with a tree stump a few days ago.
Result:Moonie 1, tree stump 0

Ringing it will kill it.

You might have to put up with the seeds.

[TonyV]

Fox you need to weigh up the pros and cons - do you like the mature tree or not - if the seeds are so annoying then have the tree taken down.
You will not be doing your block paving any favours either.

[RATTER15]

Ringing a tree will definitely kill it, im sorry but nothing you can do, if its a very large old tree it will possibly have a preservation order on it so don't touch!!

[FoxLee2]

Thanks for all your answers. We've been in our house 26 years and the tree was already here so it's pretty old - in fact the tree has three trunks. It seems my options are 1. Cut the tree down 2. Spend much of my time clearing up seeds 3. Learn to live alongside the mess.

Thanks again everyone for trying to help.

[carlton23]

Ringing means cutting a groove all around the bark about an inch wide to prevent the tree from sucking up sap to the upper parts, in other words....starving it to death.
As Elvis would sing...."Don`t Be Cruel"