How to Severely Trim a Vine Maple

Locate dead, damaged and diseased limbs on the tree so you know where to cut. Use a sturdy stepladder to access out-of-reach branches. Inspect the tree thoroughly to locate parts you want to remove, including weak and damaged trunks. Although pruning the tree is done annually, preferably during fall or winter, you can trim or lightly prune it anytime of the year.

Remove undesirable trunks at ground level with a handsaw or small chainsaw to limit their number. Select one or more of the strongest, most upright trunks beforehand and cut the others off, forming straight cuts.

Snip off damaged, diseased and dead branches using pruning shears. Step back to review the tree so you decide which branches to remove in accordance with the shape you envisioned. For instance, for a tall and narrow vine maple you need to cut off side and bottom branches; however, if you desire a tall and broad shape, you need to take off the lower branches and cut back the highest stems to force multiple branching.

Cut thin, superfluous branches to improve sunlight penetration and keep the canopy from looking messy. However, cut these branches in such a way that you still preserve the tree’s symmetry. Shorten long, arching branches on the tree that may take root when they touch the ground.

Examine the tree to locate rubbing or crossing branches and snip these off with pruning shears. Collect the clippings from the ground and discard, or add to your compost pile.