How to Prune Silver Maple Trees

Remember those little "helicopter" seeds that as a kid you'd toss in the air and watch twirl down to the ground? Those little "helicopters" are called winged seeds and come from silver maple trees. These trees make excellent shade trees and can grow as tall as 50-60 feet. Their roots unfortunately grow just as quickly and spread out more than three times the height, so these trees are best planted far away from septic tanks and drain fields. Pruning a silver maple takes a few basic steps to keep it shaped and neat looking.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp pruning shears
• Ladder
• Optional-hand saw for limbs larger than 2 inches in diameter

Instructions

1. Prune in mid-winter to late spring. At this time the tree is dormant and not producing any new growth. Use sharp pruning shears for limbs 2 inches or less in diameter. Use a hand saw for any limbs more than 2 inches in diameter.

2. Begin by cutting out any dead or diseased limbs. Cut off any limbs that criss cross over each other and any small limbs that are growing out of larger limbs.

3. Prune back branches to keep the shape of the tree. Cut just above a bud, approximately 1/4 inch. Choose buds on a branch that are facing the direction you want the branch to grow and cut above those buds. For example, if you want the branch to grow outward, cut above a bud that is facing outward.

4. Keep major branches pruned so they are less than half the diameter of the trunk. This ensures that the branches do not become too heavy and break. It is not necessary to apply a limb sealant to the cut areas since maple trees naturally seal up the wounds created.

Tips & Warnings

• For really large trees it may be safer to have professionals prune your tree. Use sharp pruning shears or cutters to keep from ripping the limbs.

References

• Plant guide: Silver maple
• About maple trees