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Shaping a 25 year old maple

13 years ago

The silver maple I have in my front yard has a 18-20" diameter trunk and has grown tall enough to interfere with the power lines overhead. I've been kicking around ideas of taking the tops out, the main vertical branches being approximately 6-8" dia. where I would like to cut. How much would this stress the tree? What time of year would be best here in southern Michigan, if indeed this is possible? Thanks, Brian.

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Comments (3)

tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
13 years ago
If a problem now, it will be a problem later. May need to think about another tree elsewhere.

tj

Here is a link that might be useful: Why (Y) you ask...
Embothrium
13 years ago
After 25 years specimen is too far along in development to mess with much.
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alley_cat_gw_7b
13 years ago
I agree with bboy and tj. I have 2 in my yard near power lines twice the size of yours. They look like hacked up junk. The power company will butcher them up every few years when im not home.Right now i enjoy the shade...but one day they will be gone.
AL

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