Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Grafted tree: rootball needs trimming, 1 by Twincol

Twincol wrote:
Hi, folks! I need help here; I don't know what to do with this root growth. For starters I had no idea that trees were grafted just like rose bushes. Who knew?! But here's proof. The grafted tree is some kind of weeping something-or-other. The root ball is not. I am including two pics here; one of the base, another of the tree. Doubtless someone recognizes the root ball base here.

This is year two growth off the root ball. The gardener has trimmed back the suckers, but it is clear that it needs to have the soil (if you can call our hardpan soil) pulled back and the base of the suckers cut, rather than 1-or-more inches above the joint is it appears to have been. I've been advised by a rose grower to pull the suckers off of rose bush grafts, rather than cut them, as such stripping seems to forestall regrowth more surely than cutting with a knife. This growth appears to be too heavy for me to perform such an act.

How would you suggest I manage this? Is there likely to be a heavy knuckle at the base of these suckers which requires some kind of "surgery?" If so, what do I do? Can I cut these suckers off the base with a knife? Picture attached shows the root ball leaf.

Any other wisdom out here? I'm stumped?! (pun intended)

TIA,
Linda