Fall and winter is a common time to prune and shape deciduous trees and shrubs . Exceptions to this are maples which will bleed or ooze sap unless pruned when in leaf. When maples are pruned in late winter or early spring the wounds flow with sap. If heavy sap flow occurs, pruning should be delayed until midsummer. This flow of sap can lead to disease invasion and weakening of the tree. The preferred time to prune maples is between mid-July and August, a period when sap won’t run from cuts. The one time when trees should not be pruned is during early spring when buds are breaking during leaf expansion. Maples should be given a thorough pruning every three years and minor “touch up” pruning annually. A thorough pruning involves removing dead limbs, crossing branches (or branches that will cross in the future).

Give newly planted trees and shrubs only minimal pruning. Removing too much top affects the production of food energy (carbohydrates) and can result in poor root development. After planting, prune out broken branches and those with weak or narrow crotches. With young trees, leave some of the lower limbs and sprouts even though they will be removed later. These limbs provide the closest source of food energy for root development. I have also found that trees will form a stronger trunk if the lower branches are not trimmed for a few years.

I hope to receive your kind response ASAP. Thank you.

Ellis P Pascual