Maple tree pruning - Ask Extension
I see conflicting theories on pruning maple trees. I have a 25 foot tree (about 15 years old) That has some bigger branches on the bottom that I would...
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Maple tree pruning #613687
Asked February 17, 2020, 12:21 PM EST
I see conflicting theories on pruning maple trees. I have a 25 foot tree (about 15 years old) That has some bigger branches on the bottom that I would like to take off. They are in the way when I mow. Should I take them off now or wait till the leaves are fully formed in late spring? Note the red marks on the picture for the cuts I want to make.
Thank you for your comments, suggestions!
Kandiyohi County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
Maple trees, especially silver maples, require regular pruning. This through mid March is a good time to prune. The spring sap which will come soon will close the wound. Pruning after the leaves come out is not a good idea because insects can carry organisms that cause tree disease on open wounds.
This is an excellent reference for you. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
Maple trees, especially silver maples, require regular pruning. This through mid March is a good time to prune. The spring sap which will come soon will close the wound. Pruning after the leaves come out is not a good idea because insects can carry organisms that cause tree disease on open wounds.
This is an excellent reference for you. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
Thank you!
