| When is a good time to prune our Norway Maple tree? It is three years old and approximately 15-18 feet tall. |
| Maples have their greatest sap movement taking place in the late winter and spring (Maple syrup!). Therefore, that is surely NOT a good time to prune as you don't want it to bleed. Instead aim for late summer or fall. When you prune, remembera few things: a) Disease & Health-be sure to remove broken and diseased wood. Clip off dead stumps, jagged edges, girdled branches(by mice, rabbits, deer, various insects, etc.) Remove branches that are rubbing. In this case give the tree a good look and decide which branch is the more attractive in it's place, and keep that one. b) Water sprouts and suckers should be removed. They are the ones either growing straight up from branches, or like little trees growing up from the trunk or roots. c) Air circulation- In order to keep air moving through the branches, helping to deter molds and fungus, open up the center of your trees. d) Looks-Hey, it's YOUR tree! Make it look the way you want it to! Remember, don't leave stumps when you prune; they are unsighly and invite disease. Cut branches almost, but not quite, flush to where they attach. Try to cut just beyond the collar, or swollen base, where the two meet. |
