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When best to prune maple tree?

louise.colleylouise.colley Posts: 100
in Problem solving
I have a large maple tree about 25 yrs old picture 1. It’s had a fair few prunes - good and bad and keen to get in control. When is the best time to prune? Please can anyone advise. Also I have a large cherry blossom picture 2 which is same but reading everyone suggests after flowering. Assume that’s correct too. If so Bullfinches will be happy! Thanks in advance. 

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  • ObelixxObelixx Vendée, Western FrancePosts: 28,587
    The general rule is that deciduous trees are pruned when dormant so after leaf fall and before the sap starts rising again in late Jan/early Feb.   This way you can see what you're doing more easily and the sap doesn't belled and weaken the plant.

    The exception is members of the prunus family, including ornamental cherries, which should be pruned in late March or after flowering finishes.  Doing those in winter can lead to silver leaf disease which is best avoided.

    Have a read of this info for how to go about pruning your maple -
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=233 
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • louise.colleylouise.colley Posts: 100
    thank you thank you very helpful @Obelixx
  • ObelixxObelixx Vendée, Western FrancePosts: 28,587
    @louise.colley Happy to help.  Please excuse silly fingers - bleed not belled!
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
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