Tar-based pruning paints and tree wound treatments are used almost entirely for cosmetic purposes — if for nothing more than to help neighbors think you know what you are doing. Always prune trees in the winter, during dormancy. Beetles that infect oak trees are active from late spring through midsummer. When pruning this tree, focus on thinning the crown to allow more air and light to penetrate the upper branches, and removing any dead or diseased branches. If your tree has branches thicker than our middle finger a pruning saw may come in useful (or keyhole saw for extra precision). Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Use a pole saw for branches higher up in the tree, if necessary. If you prune the tree in the winter or springtime, the sap bleeds or runs out. Wear clothing you can throw away, because if you get the sap on your clothes, it won't come out. Specifically, you should look for branches that grow up or down along the same angle as the tree trunk or branches that grow into or against other branches. Ridding your tree of rival branches is called structural or subordinate pruning. These include dead or brittle branches that no longer produce foliage. I had one called a dwarf Japanese lace leaf maple tree at my first home. It will look like any other dormant tree. So, do it in a step-by-step manner. Pruning helps trees grow strong and look neat and attractive. Some Japanese maples may only grow 6 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2 m.), but others will achieve 40 feet (12 m.) or more. Pruning the upright Japanese maple involves four main steps. The pruning or trimming of the maple tree is not always straightforward as it seems, that is the reason why you need the … Determine what branches to prune. While this won't harm the tree, it doesn't look very pretty, so prune the tree in late spring or summer if you can. The cutting action of anvil pruners is one sharp blade cutting against a flat surface blade. The season when you take care of pruning Japanese maple trees is also important. Reduce (shorten) all branches greater than 1/2 the trunk diameter, if any are present. Check out our previous email Newsletters. The Norway maple will tolerate a diversity of soil conditions and a soil pH anywhere from 4 to 7.5. When maples are pruned in late winter or early spring the wounds can be more damaging. When a tree has outgrown its space in the garden, it will need to be reduced in size. You can remove up to 1/3 of the overall plant size if necessary. The cuts heal much quicker when made at this time with less risk of fungal infections. Depending on how big your tree really is, you may have to consider getting professional help for some of the pruning that may be required. To make room for the leading limb, arborists select a central branch that’s free of damage, wounds or defects. Prune maples in mid- to late- summer. If you cut into a maple and find sap, you should not be discouraged, because this simply means that the tree is still healthy and will leaf in the spring. Mike says. If you just go willy nilly and start cutting tree branches, you aren’t going to see success, the arborist states. If you prune the tree in the winter or springtime, the sap bleeds or runs out. Other areas to prune on your maple tree. July 28, 2017 at 7:57 am. Horrible advice. Many problems can be corrected or prevented by pruning during the formative years of a sugar maple. Carl Mansfield, Tree Consultant, Maple Leaves Forever, Click below to sign up for updates on our activities, topical tree news and planting tips! In this video you’ll learn how to prune your acer to ensure that it looks naturally shaped when the Acer foliage comes out in spring time. While the tree is without leaves, it is easier to … Maple trees are known for their brilliant fall color as well as the ease with which they bleed sap. The bare branches allow you to see the tree structure clearly. This action will give you the exact idea about the look of the maple. However, if used quickly they can keep out moisture and blowing dirt. (nursery stock), Handling, transportation and storage of trees to reduce stress. Avoid major pruning during "maple sugar time" (January through early March in most areas). Do not prune the leader. SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS >, Contact: info@mapleleavesforever.ca | 1 (888) 223-9181 (toll-free voicemail) Do not apply tree paint or wound dressing to the cuts. Maple trees may be pruned for shaping purposes; this is the practice of thinning and trimming trees to... Light Pruning. This type of action tends to crush tissue on the underside of the stem where the cut is made, opening up plant tissue to infection. With a little work and effort, your maple trees will perform at their very best. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Maple trees tend to "bleed" (lose sap) a lot when cut, which scares some people away from ever pruning them. Lucinda Gunnin began writing in 1988 for the “Milford Times." If you have a tree or trees on your property that need pruning or trimming Phoenix Trim-A-Tree can help. While most trees benefit from pruning in the early spring once frost danger has passed, sugar maple trees bleed a sticky sap if pruned during this time. Pruning maple trees during the dormant season will help your trees with new growth in the spring when they bloom. Make the pruning cuts about 1/4 inch beyond the branch collar – the raised area that forms where a branch joins with a larger branch or the main stem (trunk). When to Prune Maple Trees and How to Do It Right There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to prune your maple tree. Generally, this is either going to be mid-summer or late fall. Each kind of tree has its own characteristic shape or growth habit and when pruning, you should try to maintain that habit. If the tree happens to be outdoor, you should always make sure to trim the lower branches. This is a good time to do major corrective or training pruning. Most common in the northeastern United States, maple trees are lovely and attractive specimens—at least if they're well maintained. Cut Intertwining Branches. Pruning techniques – Credit: www.bgky.org.tree/images Click to enlarge. Carl Mansfield, Tree Consultant, Maple … For most trees, you should prune when the spring thaw is coming and you start to see a little life in your trees. It was 8 years old when we purchased it, and only stood 2 feet tall. A: Young Japanese maples are prone to put on lots of exuberant “whips”: skinny branches covered with leaves. 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