How to Prune a Weather Damaged Maple Tree

Weather-damaged maple trees must be pruned immediately to prevent safety hazards in the landscape. Blizzards, hurricanes, ice storms and strong winds can tear branches in half. Torn or damaged branches can fall on people or houses. Wounds or tears in branches provide an entryway for diseases and pests. Maple leaves often appear jagged after high levels of wind. Gardeners promote a safe landscape and healthy tree by proper pruning practices and care.

Pruning saw

Instructions

- 1
  Examine branches that are loosely hanging off the tree. Use a pruning saw to remove split or torn branches. Cut at a 45-degree downward angle 2 to 3 inches from the branch collar. The branch collar is the area underneath the branch that attaches the branch to the main trunk.
- 2
  Remove large damaged branches. At 4 inches from the branch collar, make a cut underneath the branch; make sure the cut only goes through 1/3 of the branch's diameter. This first cut prevents the branch from tearing away from the tree and hurting the branch collar.
- 3
  Make the second cut 2 inches down from the branch collar. Cut from the top of the branch at that location all the way through the branch. The third cut is at a 45-degree downward angle next to the branch collar of the tree.
- 4
  Prune off any other damaged areas that do not present a safety hazard in midsummer.
- 5
  Apply 1 1/4 inch of water each week during dry spells underneath the canopy of the maple tree. Water the tree so the soil is moist at a depth of 12 inches.

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Trees