Maple trees contain sap, which will âbleedâ if the tree is pruned in early spring or late winter. The late dormant season is the best time for most pruning. Maple trees produce sapâlots of sapâwhich seeps out when the branches are cut. Late May to early June is the best time for this. Furthermore, if the tree is situated in a conservation area, permission must be obtained before starting works of any kind. The field maple makes a very good hedge plant as it grows strong and fast, but only with annual pruning. Pruning changes the form and growth of a plant. Pruning wounds will callus over faster if pruning is done in early spring before trees leaf out. What tools to use for Japanese maple trimming Pruning maple trees in the fall will only expose them to spores from the fungal diseases. Maple trees are often found in the northern parts of America and many parts of Canada. Pruning tree canopies is perhaps of the greatest importance for the growth and development of trees, ... sugar maple, etc. The why and how to prune your trees and shrubs with great exapmples of how trees recover when pruned corretly. Itâs free and will only take a jiffy! Not all mature trees need to be pruned. The main difference is that you should prune these trees in the summer rather than winter so that they don't lose as much sap. Japanese maples can handle anything from a light trim to more extensive pruning, depending on the time of year and the tree's health. You can avoid this issue if you wait until summer to prune maples. Pruning does not have to be limited to dormant phases of the tree's life, however. Going against the treeâs natural habit produces ungainly trees that lack grace. The field maple tree is prone to aphids, and horse chestnut scale may also pose a problem. As with all maple trees, the sap can be used to produce maple syrup, and the wood is very popular in furniture making. If you are looking to achieve a particular look for your field maple, or are unsure as to how to best care for it, the best thing to do is consult with a qualified tree surgeon. These are miniscule animals that cause abnormal growths. Maple trees can grow to 80 feet tall, depending on the species. As with all trees, pruning reduces the chance of disease becoming an issue by boosting airflow and strengthening limbs. Look out for white circular eggs masses covered by brown shells on the larger branches and the trunk. Jill Kokemuller has been writing since 2010, with work published in the "Daily Gate City." 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. This article discusses how to do basic pruning to keep a maple looking good. Always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth. The first one is that any branches that have a diameter larger than half of the size of the trunk should never be cut off. Once the leaf buds open, the sap is no longer under pressure and wont leak out from pruning wounds. Cut broken or damaged branches back to a point just above a bud or leaf node on the undamaged part of the branch. The need for pruning can be reduced by planting the right type of tree in the proper place and by properly pruning a tree when it is young. Secondly, you are less likely to become frustrated, if you can make a perfect cut the first time. Some only require pruning every 5 to 10 years. Maple trees contain sap, which will "bleed" if the tree is pruned in early spring or late winter. Gall mites are also a known issue. Kokemuller is an authorized substitute teacher and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa. Hi Mrs Easton, thank you for leaving a lovely review. If you have a maple tree on your land that needs pruning, why not contact T.H. Structural pruning should be done in February when the tree is dormant and new spring growth has not begun. 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. Use sharp pruning tools. Please enable javascript in your browser in order to get form work properly. For a free, no-obligation quotation, contact our friendly experts on 01268 642814 or get in touch here. Remove Dead Branches First. Email: thtreeservices@gmail.com, Excellent & friendly service at superb rates. Tree Work for Property/Land Management Agents, COVID-19 - business as usual - learn how we're working safely, Tree Surgeon in Essex | T.H Tree Services | Reviews, About T.H Tree Services®, Qualified Tree Services Company Essex. Make cuts just outside the branch collar so the tree can properly seal the wound. The field maple has a tendency to grow very wide, so for smaller spaces it is essential to prune regularly and fairly rigorously. These trees come in many shapes and sizes but what attracts everybody toward them is their outstanding fall color. Structural pruning ⦠Maple trees contain sap, which will âbleedâ if the tree is pruned in early spring or late winter. Minimise disease spread by pruning in dry weather, bagging up material and disposing. They leak sap when pruned, especially if you do it early in spring. As far as diseases are concerned, Verticillium wilt. When maples are pruned in late winter or early spring the wounds can be more damaging. Some trees, such as birch and maple, bleed excessively if pruned at that time. Call us for a free quote & advice When you start pruning the maple tree you should always start with the dead and ⦠In what follows we will see everything about the Japanese maple pruning. Proper pruning alters the form and growth of a tree. Your browser does not support JavaScript!. 3. By all means decide in the summer which branches are going to be troublesome - make a note - and do the work later. Homeowners should trim dead branches and lightly prune new growth in the fall. As fully qualified and extensively experienced tree surgeons, we are able to offer specialist knowhow and expertise in all aspects of maple tree pruning. 2. Trim new growth from the previous season if it is growing in toward the trunk, growing vertically or crossing other branches. These things can keep the tree healthy and prevent certain diseases from developing. For having the magnificent maple tree in your garden, you need to know when and how to prune the tree. Youâll usually find the maple tree growing in hedgerows, on scrubland and in woodland, although itâs also a popular choice for parks and gardens thanks to its compact growing habit and its tolerance of pollution. Most pruning can be done with a pair of ¾ -1-inch pruners, medium loppers, and a small handsaw for even the biggest of branches. They are also aware of the best pruning methods for the particular varieties of field maple trees and will be able to advise you on the correct procedures for your particular tree so that you can get the most possible enjoyment and pleasure from it and of course, ensure its health for many years to come. The pruning or trimming of the maple tree is not always straightforward as it seems, that is the reason why you need the help of certified arborists to handle such exercises. Sun 8am-10.30am As a small tree, the field maple can withstand more regular trimming and shaping and in fact can be used to produce eye-catching topiary creations with cloud pruning being one of the most popular. Pruning of maple trees. To avoid this phenomenon, pruning may be put off until summer. Wait until the leaves completely develop before pruning a maple tree. Of the Latin Acer campestre, this deciduous tree can grow to heights of 20 metres and is known to live up to 350 years. Exceptions to the dormant pruning rule are maple, birch and elm which should be pruned when actively growing in mid-summer. There are approximately of 128 species of maple trees. Maple trees have sap that many people will tap for making syrup. The field maple tree is the only maple tree to be native to the UK. For older trees⦠Fri 7am-5:30pm Early February is best in most states; January in southern statesâ zones 7-10. Bleeding may be reduced by pruning in late spring when the trees are in full leaf. Many problems may be prevented by pruning correctly during the formative years for a tree or shrub. These trees come in many shapes and sizes but what attracts everybody toward them is their outstanding fall color. Prune later in the summer to lessen the flow of sap. 3. When to Prune Maple Trees. Prune at the Right Time The best time to prune maple trees is late winter. Larger branches of more than an inch in diameter should be cut with pruning saws. Properly pruning the tree when the maple is still young is crucial for the development of a healthy maple with well-spaced and sturdy scaffold limbs ⦠When you prune your ⦠Pruning is like maintaining a tree which is very essential for many reasons. It is a very hardy tree, so winter pruning is not an issue; however pruning during freezing temperatures should be avoided. As a rule, the field maple should be pruned in late autumn to mid-winter. This is a fungal disease that gets into the tree via the roots. If you want to completely remove the branch, cut back to the base of the branch just outside the branch collar. You can also prune in the summer if you want to slow the growth of certain branches. Pruning a maple tree clears out space around the branches. Maple Pruning Basics; Maple Pruning Basics. I recommend pruning Japanese maple trees twice a year. Pruning the maple several times a year is a great way to keep the maple in good health and looking elegant. If you prune the tree in the winter or springtime, the sap bleeds or runs out. Expert insight into the best time to prune a maple tree; why maple tree pruning is important, and how to identify common maple tree diseases. How to Prune Maple Trees. If heavy sap flow occurs, pruning should be delayed until it stops or wait until midsummer. A clean pruning wound heals more quickly than a jagged, torn wound created by blunt tools. This will keep it looking neat and tidy. If you trim a maple once the tree reaches above 32 degrees, itâs possible that sap will start to flow. The first pruning should be in mid-winter before any warmer weather has even attempted to set in. Always remove the dead and dying branches and leaves before giving the desired size to the trees. There are approximately of 128 species of maple trees. When pruned in early spring, these species may lose excessive amounts of sap. This sap can be a nuisance for saws and tools. This will usually take up to eight weeks to come through. Pruning Mature Trees. Pruning during the fall can cause more harm than benefit to your maple tree. You would prune the upright Japanese maple as you would a regular maple trees during mid-summer or during the fully dormant stage in the winter just before the sap starts to flow. Pruning Japanese maples at the incorrect time can cause major damage or possibly even kill the tree. Maple tree pruning will stimulate thicker growth during the growing season that follows, so for those who are looking to boost the size of their field maple, again regular pruning is required. Otherwise, the decay-producing fungi can infect healthy parts of the trees. Vine maples are a common understory tree of Pacific Northwest forests, well adapted to the shade and moist soil of the region, though it will also take full sun and occasional drought in cool areas of the country. It also makes it easier for sunlight to penetrate which in turn boosts growth and generally improves the health of the tree. This is before pests come out of hiding and can spread disease and, if aesthetics are important, before sap begins to flow. grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Where you are growing your field maple tree as a hedge, you will need to keep it in check which means another pruning will be required during the year. Maple tree pruning may be done in the spring, with the best months to prune being the time immediately after leaves appear. She spent six years working in a private boarding school, where her focus was English, algebra and geometry. The field maple makes a very good hedge plant as it grows strong and fast, but only with annual pruning. If it becomes necessary due to particularly rapid growth, you can prune your maple hedge again during the second part of September. Office: 01268 642814 Tree surgeons are trained to spot diseases and pest infestations and know precisely how to best deal with them. Sesmas Tree Service provides highly skilled and well-trained certified, licensed and insured arborists, who can handle maple trimming services, as well as trimming services for other species of trees. Avoid Pruning Maple Trees in the Fall. The trees that are blooming during the growing season, such as linden, sycamore, or ash â are best to prune during dormancy â that is, not during the growing season. There will be much less sap. The reason for this dormant season pruning, is that Acers bleed their sap if pruned in the spring or summer. Maples are ornamental deciduous trees often grown for shade or for their vibrant fall leaf color. Sat closed So, do it in a step-by-step manner. Clean the pruning tools with alcohol before and after use. Mon-Thurs 7am-7:30pm With the Laceleaf variety you want to be careful not to prune too much of the canopy or shell during the summer months because you can cause the trunk to get sunburned since it has very tender bark. Look out for small reddish swellings on the leaf surface which will denote sycamore/maple pimple gall mites, or densely growing cream or pinkish-purple coloured hairs on the underside of the leaves, which are likely to be sycamore/maple felt gall mites. The field maple tree is also much admired for the rich colour spectrum it treats us to during the autumn. Cut dead branches back to the base. Avoid pruning maple trees in autumn. When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts. Wear gardening gloves and eye protection. Also, apply a quality sealant to keep the sap from bleeding. Always carry out such pruning in late Autumn or Winter. This improves the airflow and the amount of sunlight the tree gets during the day. NOT in the early spring or summer. Many problems can be corrected or prevented by pruning during the formative years of a sugar maple. TIP: while young maple trees can be easily pruned using a hand saw, loppers, or pruners, mature and tall maple trees are best pruned by a professional arborist. The team are really pleased they come across professional and friendly. Trimming maple trees is much like pruning any other deciduous tree. Get a quick no obligation tree surgeon quote This is done to shape the tree, and get rid of any defective or dead branches. Pruning techniques for different groups Young trees. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. You may need a ladder to reach higher branches. This action will give you the exact idea about the look of the maple. Pruning of Maple and Birch should not be done too late in the fall either, as wounds will not have a chance to heal before winter. The field maple tree provides a very attractive focal point in any park or garden thanks to its stunning autumn colours, and it makes an excellent hedging plant too. 1. The attractiveness of your maple tree however is all dependent on the care it receives, and this includes how and when it is pruned. You should never proceed with any tree work before finding out whether there is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in place. 01268 642814. Polite, professional and tidy.The team were punctual, very polite, kept me well informed of what they were doing, anything I asked them wasnât an inconvenience.Service with a smile and the tidy up job was fantastic too.I would certainly recommend TH Tree services and happily use them again. The only time that's off-limits is early summer, when pruning may damage tender new bud growth. Bleeding does little harm to the trees, although it often causes concern to homeowners. Decide on the shape and direction you want your tree to grow. Maple tree pruning will stimulate thicker growth during the growing season that follows, so for those who are looking to boost the size of their field maple, again regular pruning is required. Prune maples in mid- to late- summer. Japanese maples are low-maintenance trees with beautiful red foliage. Mobile: 07834349211 Pruning the entire tree at the same time might shock the tree. For this reason, many gardeners say that the best time for pruning maples is in summer after the tree is fully in leaf. Maintenance pruning of maples is a periodic chore that's necessary to remove dead or damaged branches, or to trim for shape and structure. Cut small branches with pruning shears. Maple trees (Acer spp.) Maple trees can grow to 80 feet tall, depending on the species. A feathered tree such as a sorbus has an upright trunk and a balanced pattern of horizontal branches running from top to bottom. Tree Services? Equip yourself with the right safety equipment. Maintenance pruning of maples is a periodic chore that's necessary to remove dead or damaged branches, or to trim for shape and structure. Try not to remove any major (parent) branches of the maple tree. Maples grow very rapidly and a tree that looks great in early spring can be completely out of shape a week later. Pruning can also be considered preventive maintenance for both insect and disease damage. As a maple tree, the Japanese Laceleaf will bleed or ooze sap. Pruning a mature tree excessively or incorrectly causes more damage than good. There are two limits to pruning Japanese maple trees that you should be aware of. The Norway maple will tolerate a diversity of soil conditions and a soil pH anywhere from 4 to 7.5. How to Prune Crab Apples for the Best Shape, How to Obtain Preapproval for a Home Loan, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service: Pruning Trees, Flushcuts and Wound Dressings, University of Missouri Extension: Pruning and Care of Shade Trees, California Native Plant Society: Fall and Winter Pruning, Arbor Day Foundation: Maple, Sugar Acer Saccharum. , diseased or dead branches a year early in spring or damaged back... A week later always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased,... If there is a very good hedge plant as it grows strong fast. Make cuts just outside the branch collar so the tree working in a boarding... 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For many reasons not have to be native to the trees, such birch... That time or incorrectly causes more damage than good a quality sealant to keep a maple looking.! Pruning Japanese maples at the same time might shock the tree Basics ; maple Basics. Enable javascript in your browser in Order to get form work properly it stops or wait until summer, as! Weeks to come through 3 through 8 of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8 should be avoided through. Health of the branch trees during the second one is that you should never prune much... ItâS free and will only take a jiffy and prevent certain diseases from developing the chance of disease an! Recover when pruned corretly the flow of sap entire tree at the Right time the best months to prune â¦. On your land that needs pruning, why not contact T.H soil pH anywhere from 4 to 7.5 toward is. Obligation tree surgeon quote itâs free and will only take a jiffy 2020 Hearst Communications, you! And yellowing leaves and dieback base of the treeâs life, however, thank you leaving! Friendly experts on 01268 642814 entire tree at the Right time the best months to maple...