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Pruning mature maple tree #770593

Asked September 03, 2021, 2:24 PM EDT

We have a 100 year old tree that needs massive pruning and cabling because a crack has appeared in the trunk. We think it was originally 2 or 3 trees that grew into one. When is the best time of year to prune? We want to keep it healthy for another twenty years.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

A massive crack in the trunk does not bode well. But first, in answer to the question about when to prune, you should do this in late winter, around the end of March. Read here:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs

But if you want to get another 20 years out of the tree, I'd suggest contacting a certified arborist to get advice on how (or if) to proceed:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

The arborist should also do the pruning - for a tree as large as that, it is not a DIY job.

Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied September 04, 2021, 3:53 PM EDT

Thanks for the quick reply, Dennis!

We’ve hired Vineland tree care, they want to remove a 14” cow limb and a 10” limb in October. They also plan to install a cable system to support weak branch junction.

The crack is 2” at its widest point. See photos.

I really appreciate your advice, this tree is the reason I bought my house. We love it.

Melissa

On Sep 4, 2021, at 2:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied September 07, 2021, 1:13 PM EDT