skip to main content

How to prune a maple?

19 years ago

How do you do that correctly?

A nursery worker told me to prune only the 2 lowest branches in winter, with the goal being to keep the lowest branches at chest height.

Is this correct?

I suppose it depends upon the tree.?

We have a SunValley, an Amur, and will soon be getting either an October Glory, Brandywine, or Burgundy Belle. (can't decide)

Think I'd really like a fast growing Sugar Maple, if they exist.

Thanks

Paul

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

mattlwfowler
19 years ago
That sounds about right. Depending on the size of the branches, I don't think it would hurt to prune out more than just the bottom two if needed. But you should never prune off more than 25% of the tree. And of course the ultimate height that you want the bottom branches will be up to your personal preferance. If for some reason you wanted pruned up to 20 ft high you could do this if you followed the "a few branches a year" plan.
Related Professionals
Elkton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Virginia Beach Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Monroe Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Platteville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Victoria Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rome Landscape Contractors · Lawrenceburg Landscape Contractors · Austin Landscape Contractors · Davenport Landscape Contractors · Olean Landscape Contractors · Athens Architects & Building Designers · Zanesville Architects & Building Designers · Peoria Architects & Building Designers · Manhattan Architects & Building Designers · Saint George Architects & Building Designers

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why

TREES 11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting

GARDENING GUIDES 12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden

The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Great Design Tree: Japanese Maple

By Annie Thornton

Lacy form and fiery fall color make Japanese maple a welcome tree for garden or patio

TREES Great Design Plant: Coral Bark Japanese Maple, a Winter Standout

By Paintbox Garden

Go for garden gusto during the chilly season with the fiery red stems of this unusual Japanese maple

GARDENING GUIDES 13 Japanese Maples for Shade

A surprising variety of these understory trees is waiting to make a statement in your shade garden

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Paperbark Maple

With fall foliage like a sunset and bark the color of cinnamon, this tree is a highlight of the landscape

WINTER GARDENING California Gardener's January Checklist

Winter-defying blooms and pruning saws earn a cheer, while California-focused gardening design books get a well-deserved shout-out

TREES Great Design Plant: Acer Rubrum Brings Shade and Beauty

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

Red maple — a fast-growing, low-maintenance Eastern native — has spectacular fall foliage and early-spring flowers that feed pollinators

MOST POPULAR Enjoy Your Summer Garden — Here’s What to Do in July

By Annie Thornton

Our July gardening guides take the guesswork out of summer watering, pruning and planting. See our tips for your U.S. region

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting