They sound to me like suckers and can be removed

Along with the tree! Unless you have a big garden (half an acre is a good start) sycamores don't really belong. If there's no preservation order or other control on it, you might consider getting it cut down later in the year and plant something all together more suitable.

Agree with you Urbanite. Large trees should have a 'ban order' (opposite to a preservation order), in urban gardens. They are only suitable for parks and woodland or if you own a mansion with the grounds to go with it. People always plant trees selfishly next to the boundary and the poor neighbours have all the shade, leaves in autumn and seedlings popping up all over their garden. Rant over!

The sycamore tree seedlings are everywhere this year, in vast numbers. Fortunately they are easy to pull up ( when small).

You are lucky you only have one....Cut them off as near the base as you can. We have been reduced to using an axe on them...

Ours weren't planted by anybody, they were there on the field borders when the house was built. They are a pain with suckers and seedlings but a mature one is very beautiful in winter against a blue sky.

I have a row of them immediately over the back wall. They weren't there when we moved in, and are all self-seeded on the edge of a school site that was formerly railway property. They are a mixed blessing - lovely at certain times of the year, beloved of the birds, source of shade (appreciated) and thousands of seedlings (a pain). Deinitely cut off the sprouting branches.

Thank you all for your comments -- very helpful -- I cannot cut is down because there is a TPO on it !! -- however I will endeavour the cut off the sprouting branches -- think I may have to resort to an axe as you did Steragram!!
Winifrede

Well its certainly quicker than secateurs and it doesn't make your thumbs sore!

How big is your garden, Winifrede; where is the tree in relation to the house and the street? And do you know why there is a TPO?

In reply to Urbanite -- the garden is quite large and the tree is not near the house -- I live in the country and maybe thats why there is a TPO on it -- which has been on for years !!!!

well, I hope it is of historical significance because I can't imagine why a sycamore would warrant a TPO. Maybe I'm just prejudiced by the urban specimens. Maybe in the proper setting they are majestic and pleasing etc and worthy of protection.

They are!