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Best time to prune sugar maple trees

newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada

3 years ago

I've read some older posts. The suggestion is not to prune in the fall when leaves are falling and not to prune in the spring when buds are forming and opening. Otherwise go for it and not worry about bleeding. My two sugar maples are between 30 and 40 feet high.

My preference is not to prune in the spring or even in the summer. There are gardens under these maples and I fear that damage will be done when branches are dropped from the tree. I know larger branches will be tied and lowered down. I have to work hard to have a nice garden because of the roots of these two trees. I don't need a setback from damage due to pruning.

So my questions are:

(1) If the tree has some dead branches, are these going to be visible if the tree has lost its leaves? Pruning these two trees is expensive and I want to make sure all dead branches are removed---along with a light pruning.

(2) Is it OK for me to ask the arborist to take a picture of a decaying limb before it is removed? I had a large limb fall this summer and believe that the adjacent limb should be removed. I want a "record" for my city as to the limb decay. We have to apply to have trees removed and the city makes sure NO tree is removed if it can still live on---even if it damages your property or makes life difficult. When and if that time comes, I want to have some proof as to the condition of the tree and its history.

So what do you think would be the best time to have these two maples pruned?

Featured Answer

corkball (z9 FL)

3 years ago

I have done it both ways. If you prune now, you will get the spring weeping. I prefer to wait until after leaf out to avoid mess, but then you have to deal with the leaves.

You can go online and find people who say just about ANY time except for maybe when the leaves are coming out.

https://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/the-root-of-it-all-pruning-maple-trees-in-winter/article_abd650d4-82e1-11e3-929a-001a4bcf887a.html

That said, most trees I will prune like mid Feb-mid March, but sugar maples I generally wait until they are fully leafed out.

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Comments (7)

wayne
3 years ago
Now
newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada thanked wayne
newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
Original Author
3 years ago
Now? Over half the leaves have fallen already. Twenty-five percent of the leaves are left on one tree and 50% of the leaves are left on the other. By the time the arborist can come, all the leaves may be gone! Should I still do it?
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if a sugar maple is bled intentionally for the sugar ... then in theory ... i dont see why bleeding due to pruning would be any different.. simply from a logical deduction ... i am of the mind [for what that is worth .. lol ] .. that pruning is done when i have the time.. or the money to pay to have it done .. or to repair storm damage ... yes.. there is always a PRIME time to do it ... but you know.. sometimes you just run out of options .. and have to do it when the mood strikes .. can you please explain why you think your trees need thinning.. and please tell us that it does NOT involve TOPPING .... what is your goal here .... are they over hanging the house.... personally .. i never contemplated thinning of a mature tree .. because they need it... they are fully capable of taking care of their own growth patterns ... so i suspect there is some other facts we might need to know ... good luck ken
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newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
Original Author
3 years ago
So, I guess I've lost the opportunity this year. My next possibility will then be after the buds swell in spring but . . . I won't do it then as I wouldn't risk any damage to my garden. Also, I wouldn't want to have my garden exposed to a strong sun intensity when they are not used to it, by doing it in the middle of summer. So I will plan for end of August/beginning of Sept.
bengz6westmd
3 years ago
To be honest, I'm not sure there's any problem cutting it now. Certainly better than spring -- doubt there'd be much bleeding now.
newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
Original Author
3 years ago
I wasn't able to get someone in the fall. I have someone now who wants to do it in the freezing cold! Our temperatures are around -5C in the day and double digits in the night. I don't think most arborists are cutting now. Makes me wonder if it is better for the tree to be pruned now or for the arborist?
newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you corkball. Good information!

I think I will go ahead and get one of my sugar maples pruned now and see what it's like. My other tree is surrounded by a wooden deck. I don't think I want sap all over my deck now.

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