How to Trim Maple Trees
The majestic maple tree comes in a variety of types, sizes and shapes. Maple trees common to the United States are the red, sugar, Japanese, Norway, silver and paperback maples. If you are lucky enough to have an established maple tree, or if you want to plant one, keep your maple tree strong and healthy by following these simple trimming tips. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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In late fall or early winter, cut off any dead, diseased or damaged wood with a pruning saw or pruning clippers.
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Prune the branches by cutting just above the swelling where the branches grow out of the tree trunk.
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Trim any stems by cutting just above a healthy bud or shoot.
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Cut off branches that touch each other or steal the light from neighboring branches. Remove any odd-shaped or odd-facing branches for a more formal look.
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Trim larger tree branches in sections. Start at the smaller end of the branch and work toward the center of the tree.
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Prune branches up to about 6 feet high on the trunk for a fuller canopy. Cut back any secondary shoots growing from the ground or on the trunk.
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Pollard (one tall trunk with all branches growing from the top of the trunk) a maple tree by pruning back all of the branches when the trunk is 6 feet high to force new growth. Trim the new growth every two years to force more growth and thin the shoots if they get too thick.
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Trim decorative maples, such as the red maple, into shapes for a stunning border.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid trimming in late winter or early spring when the maple sap is flowing.
Leave the wound paint at the store; there is little proof that these materials are effective.
Extend severe tree trimming over two years to avoid shocking or killing the maple tree.
Prune a maple tree when it is young and growing and avoid lots of trimming when the tree is mature.
Use a professional tree cutting service to trim maple trees that are close to power lines, buildings and other hazards.
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Comments
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mattswift
Jan 19, 2011
Best time of year to prune is just after the tree has fully leaved out, usually early June. Doing so while the tree is actively growing ensures that the cuts begin to heal quicker.
