Prune an autumn blaze maple tree - Ask Extension
Hello! Just wondering the best time to prune our autumn blaze maple tree. I have heard conflicting advice. Is it best to prune early spring?
Thank yo...
Knowledgebase
Prune an autumn blaze maple tree #850680
Asked September 20, 2023, 5:04 PM EDT
Hello! Just wondering the best time to prune our autumn blaze maple tree. I have heard conflicting advice. Is it best to prune early spring?
Thank you for your help!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Yes, it's best to prune in early spring.
Some people avoid that because sap runs from spring pruning cuts on maples and some other species. Although the running sap may be unsightly, it's of little or no consequence, so far as tree health is concerned:
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/sap-flowing-pruning-cut-my-maple-tree-should-i-be-concerned
To avoid sap flow, prune in late spring or early summer after the leaves are fully developed.
Avoid major pruning during drought conditions.
https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/avoid-pruning-drought-stressed-trees
Some people avoid that because sap runs from spring pruning cuts on maples and some other species. Although the running sap may be unsightly, it's of little or no consequence, so far as tree health is concerned:
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/sap-flowing-pruning-cut-my-maple-tree-should-i-be-concerned
To avoid sap flow, prune in late spring or early summer after the leaves are fully developed.
Avoid major pruning during drought conditions.
https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/avoid-pruning-drought-stressed-trees
