How can I get orange tree roots from removed tree to stop sprouting?

[AZ Athena]

We had ornamental orange trees and although they were ok to look at, they were useless. I had my teen dig them out, but he left behind some roots. Our soil is rock hard and I hate to go in search of all the stragglers, but shoots keep popping up, as much as 10 feet away from where the trees were. D: Is there a way to kill them off without digging them all up?

 

[Pat]

I know you said it is a tree root problem you are having and this may even be a little late but using epsom salt to remove a stump may also work to remove the roots. Here is an article that will give you more information. http://glensfallscontractor.com/lan...ng-epsom-salt-solution-for-tree-stump-removal

 

[thomas pendrake]

Why not graft some quality fruit onto the sprouting root stock. The root stock is obviously hardy, take advantage of it. grafting is not all that hard.

 

[Corzhens]

Your problem looks like a science fiction story where the tree grows roots farther and farther until it reaches the house, hahahaaa. Since the roots are underground, the only remedy I see is to dig the ground or plow if you have to so you can thresh out the soil and completely remove the roots. Other than that, I cannot think of another way.