Overview
- Jessica Walliser of Savvy Gardening advises completing pruning no later than January.
- She warns that late-winter pruning causes sap to weep, which can attract insects and elevate disease risk.
- Spring and summer trimming is discouraged to protect the tree’s structure and appearance.
- Begin by removing dead wood, typically found on the underside, then take out new growth that disrupts the tree’s shape.
- Avoid cutting long lateral branches unless removal is essential, preserving the maple’s natural form.