Arborsmith wrote:

For Redwood trees this is normal and healthy, they could be called
"suckers" but actually add energy to the root of the tree and are the
back up sprouts if anything goes wrong with the main tree. They can
even develop into large trees of their own. If it important to remove
them for ascetic reasons then just prune them back to the trunk and rub
out sprouts as they appear, otherwise just let them grow.

Richard Reames
http://www.arborsmith.com


Thanks, Richard. The sprouts are rather numerous and thick on a few
trees. Is there anything that can be applied to discourage them from
growing and that will not harm the tree? the trees are about 40-50 feet
tall and I don't want to see one of them die and pierce our roof.....!