When should I prune a mature sugar maple tree? - Ask Extension
I have 2 sugar maple trees that are at least 25 years old. They appear to be in very good health, producing strong limbs and beautiful, lush leaves. I...
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When should I prune a mature sugar maple tree? #875455
Asked July 01, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
I have 2 sugar maple trees that are at least 25 years old. They appear to be in very good health, producing strong limbs and beautiful, lush leaves. I would like to remove several lower branches as they are shading out plant life below and leaves will soon be touching the ground. When is the best time to prune those branches? I've tried to do some internet research, but I'd really appreciate your advice.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Maureen -
I found this link that gives some detail on how and when to prune: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-4-W.pdf
But Sugar Maples are "Bleeders", so I'd like to point out this from the article:
Prune to Avoid ‘Bleeders’
Some deciduous trees have an exceptionally heavy sap flow in the early spring. If you cut such trees, they will “bleed.” While this sap loss does not injure the tree, it can look unappealing and cause problems for pedestrians or vehicles that pass
underneath the dripping sap.
You can avoid “bleeding” by pruning these plants in midsummer or late fall. Examples of “bleeding” plants include maples, birches, dogwoods, elms, walnuts, and yellowwood.
I hope this helps.
I found this link that gives some detail on how and when to prune: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-4-W.pdf
But Sugar Maples are "Bleeders", so I'd like to point out this from the article:
Prune to Avoid ‘Bleeders’
Some deciduous trees have an exceptionally heavy sap flow in the early spring. If you cut such trees, they will “bleed.” While this sap loss does not injure the tree, it can look unappealing and cause problems for pedestrians or vehicles that pass
underneath the dripping sap.
You can avoid “bleeding” by pruning these plants in midsummer or late fall. Examples of “bleeding” plants include maples, birches, dogwoods, elms, walnuts, and yellowwood.
I hope this helps.
