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Maple tree with dead limbs

2 years ago

I have a Maple tree about 20 ft high and about 3 inches in diameter with two or three dead limbs all the way back to the trunk. The limbs did not bloom at all this year but rest of tree did. Cutting the limbs will make it look somewhat out of shape but I do believe those limbs are dead. My question is when to cut them now,in the spring not sure if it matters. Any help would be appreciated
Saturn

Featured Answer

laceyvail 6A, WV

2 years ago

Dead plant matter can be cut at any time. Make sure you make the cut correctly.

Comments (10)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
dead is dead.. one would think timing wont matter ...

if this is DIY ... do you know how to do it properly ...

care to post a pic for conformation ...

ken
frank_laudone thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
frank_laudone
Original Author
2 years ago
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frank_laudone
Original Author
2 years ago
I also have this stuff on some of my trees and don't know how to treat them if it is harmful
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
whats on the trunk my be defined by where you are ... big city name ..

forget about the shape today.. in 60 years.. this wont matter ...

removal and healing of a proper cuts is what will keep the tree healthy .. leaving stubs to rot and perhaps start interior rot is the concern ...

odds are the stuff on the trunk is irrelevant.. unless it is spanish moss... or some down south affliction of which i dont know much.. hopefully someone else can chime in on that ...

i might also take the lowest 2 branches.. just for future shaping ... base on what i see of your situation ...

when you decide to remove them.. start by removing all hanging weight.. leaving only a foot or two .. and then make the final surgical cut near the trunk ... dont try to do it all in one cut ...

a good cheap tree saw is worth the investment ...

https://www.amazon.com/folding-tree-saw/s?k=folding+tree+saw

since you wont be using it all that often.. i dont know why you would need anything more than the cheapest basic saw .... unfortunately .. most garden displays are xmas now.. so it might be a bit hard to find one right now .... in person ...

ken
frank_laudone thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
L Clark (zone 4 WY)
2 years ago
I think it's as simple as pruning off the dead. Make proper pruning cuts.
frank_laudone thanked L Clark (zone 4 WY)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
"I also have this stuff on some of my trees and don't know how to treat them if it is harmful"

That is lichen. Very common and completely harmless.
frank_laudone thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
frank_laudone
Original Author
2 years ago
So I should cut the dead branches at the base of the limb and now is better than spring??
frank_laudone
Original Author
2 years ago
Doing it correctly I guess is what I am in search of before I attempt the cuts.

Saturn
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
Do some research on what is a 'branch collar' if you are not familiar with that term. Pruning cuts should be made just to the outside of this mark.

If the branch is of significant diameter (greater than an inch or two), make an initial cut midway along its length to remove the branch weight and avoid tearing.
frank_laudone thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

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