Hi,

I'd say wait till all the leaves have fallen for the winter to do any heavy pruning. Being a deciduous tree the maple needs to make and store nutrients before winter to push out growth in the spring. Also, you can see the branching better without the leaves. This will give you a better idea about what *needs* to be pruned and what would look better pruned.

Layne

Layne,

Thanks for the help. Will try and postpone until late fall.

Take care- Sprooo

The branches you prune may be subject to die back so leave the branches a little longer to compensate for the die back. Finish your pruning in late winter.

I'm not sure that this article is exactly what you need, but if not, it may lead you to another of Nancy Fiers' articles that will help -

Click here

I'd prune in late winter. Also, please keep in mind that for the health of the tree you shouldn't remove more than 25% of the tree per year, so it may take you a few years to get it back where you want it. Keep in mind it's going to do it's best to grow back to the size it is now so it's going to need ongoing maintenance. I try to leave trees whenever possible and this one sounds like something I'd keep but you might want to think about whether or not this is one you want to try to move (root prune it the season before you move it) (and keep in mind it might not survive the move) or just take out and replace with something that will be the right *mature* size for that spot so cutting it back isn't an issue. If you really have questions about it, have a certified arborist (not a tree-trimmer but someone with arborist training and certification) come take a look at it. It would probably be well worth the investment. Good luck!

I think you should try to sell it to a nursery. It is a weed by definition. A plant in the wrong place. I know it's hard to imagine a thousand dollar tree as a weed. But, this tree will only be an eyesore pruned back. By the time you get it pruned, the trunk will be too big for the foliage. It will look funny. A nursery may pay you for it and take it out. They may even do a swap and replace it with something that will fit better. This is one of the toughest decisions to make in landscaping. Your tree could easily be worth thousands of dollars. Maybe you sould remove the house. Just kidding. Good luck.

I have a weeping maple top is greenish & bottom is pretty brownish or red why????????
does it need to be cut or pruned Pike nursery said dont trim or cut when bought????
why would it be 2// colors