No leader on Maple tree - Ask Extension
The tree has been planted for 2 years and when I bought it the leader looked to have been pruned but I figured one of the branches would take. However...
Knowledgebase
No leader on Maple tree #879150
Asked July 28, 2024, 7:19 PM EDT
The tree has been planted for 2 years and when I bought it the leader looked to have been pruned but I figured one of the branches would take. However now it looks more like a menorah with the outer branches growing the tallest.
Just looking for any suggestions or if the inner two branches would be ok as a leader.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Maple trees are notorious for having multiple leaders. It is important to prune them as they grow to prevent problems later.
the best time to prune maples is in late winter - February or early March. Later will mean that the sap is running. That can be messy. With Maples, if you have multiple leaders, remove the weakest branches or any that have weak joints. the link below has a good video that should help you.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
