I have a sassafras grove in my yard - is it better for the tree to keep cutting all the suckers...?

Question

...and just leave one main tree to grow or should I let all the smaller trees grow into a proper grove? I don't care either way, I just want to do what is healthiest for the plant.

Answer 1

it is better for the tree if you want a single trunk tree.  better in that more growing energy will go the one.  but leaving the suckers will not hurt, and i like the grove look

Answer 2

If you let every sucker grow into a tree you will soon overcrowd the grove and then no tree will flourish.

If you want a forested look, give each tree at least 15' between eachother so that all trees get enough nutrients and sun.  This way all trees will be healthy.  Diseased or stressed trees only invite infestations.