Hi all!

I have what was labeled an 'October Blaze' maple. It's been really fast growing and very lovely.

4 years ago, when I planted it, it was about my height (5'2") and maybe 2'' around? I had one of those black, powder coated shephard's crooks near to it to stake it, hold a little solar light, and twine a clematis around.

I just went over to take the crook off and Oh, No! The part that sticks in the ground, which is shaped like an H? The tree has grown over the crossbar of the "h" part, to the point where it's impossible for me to remove it. I was thinking I'd get my husband to cut off the rest of the crossbar that's sticking out horizontally, that meets with the vertical part of the crook. But then, should I seal the cut off end with something so it doesn't rust and rust into the tree? Oh, what to do!?

I realize this is probably futile, but is there anything I can or should do for this baby? It's wildly healthy and growing about 3' a year. No joke. You'd think the crape myrtles near it were rubbing off! :)

Thanks for the thoughts,

Christine