Hello, 3 years ago, we had a 10 ft red maple tree planted in our backyard to replace an old dying cedar tree. The first 2 years, the red maple seemed to be fine, but last summer, only the bottom half of the tree produced leaves. The previous winter had some cold snaps and we thought that could be the problem.
This Spring, the red maple is only growing on the bottom part, but the parts that are producing leaves seem healthier than the previous year. I cut away some branches that are clearly dead in between the healthy growth.
I was wondering if I should cut off the upper branches (and trunk) that appear to be dead. It could end up being the entire top half of the tree.
Would that work?
Sorry to hear your tree is struggling to establish itself.
Properly pruning trees can help encourage growth, however aggressive pruning or topping trees can have the opposite effect and is not recommended.
Here is some advice from Purdue University:
“If a branch must be removed or reduced, it should be cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role. The best practice for this is to cut back to a lateral that is at least 1/3 the diameter of the limb being removed. However, if large cuts are involved, the tree may not be able to seal over and compartmentalize the wounds. When severe pruning is required and excessive, sometimes the best solution is to remove the tree and replace it with a species that is more appropriate for the site. Topped trees present a serious risk to the tree owner and those around the tree.”
To read the full article on Tree Pruning Essentials, visit Forestry and Natural Resources. Purdue Extension, 2015 – illinoisarborist.org
Please consider calling in a professional arborist to help assess whether your red maple tree can be saved. To find a certified professional arborist in your area to help with a tree problem, visit Landscape Ontario’s website, see link below:
Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association – Landscape Ontario
Hopefully the tree can be restored to health. If not, you may need to remove it and choose another. This Toronto Master Gardener guide on Planting a Tree for Life offers some good advice on choosing the right tree, site selection, planting, after care and more.
Also of great importance to note – pruning Maple trees is generally not advised in the spring as sap flow will cause cut branches to have difficulty sealing over leaving the tree open to disease and insect issues.
Hope this information is helpful.