The sycamore maple tree develops its sublime stature and picturesque crown without any intervention from the gardener. If the Rübezahl exceeds the spatial dimensions of the maple species, use scissors to limit its growth. However, the low cutting tolerance requires a careful approach. This guide explains how to prune an Acer pseudoplatanus professionally.
When and how should you prune a sycamore tree?
When pruning sycamore maple, the main pruning should take place from October to December to remove dead wood and thin out the crown. A light topiary can take place between the end of June and mid-July. Pay attention to the cut so as not to injure the astring and act according to the minimum principle.
Juice flow and legislators determine the best time
Early in the year, the sycamore maple begins to experience a strong flow of sap, which prohibits drastic pruning. The classic pruning date for trees in early spring does not apply to an Acer pseudoplatanus. In summer the sap flow noticeably decreases. However, the Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits extensive cutting measures from March 1st to September 30th. How to do it right:
- Main cut with removal of dead wood: from October to December
- Light topiary: between the end of June and mid-July
Cutting sycamore according to the minimum principle - this is how it works
Late autumn and early winter is the right time to thin out a crown that is too dense. Remove dead branches at the base. When making the cut, make sure that the branch ring is not injured. Please also use this opportunity to cut off branches that point towards the inside of the crown. If two competing tips form, the weaker shoot should be sawn off as close to the trunk and on the branch as possible.
If you want to reduce the size of the crown overall, you should ideally act according to the minimum principle. Cut back as much as necessary and as little as possible. If it's just a matter of cutting this year's growth, grab the scissors in June/July. Always place the blade (€14.00 on Amazon) within a short distance of a leaf, a bud or a sleeping eye to promote vital growth.
Serious cutting measures need to be carefully considered on the sycamore maple, as it rarely sprouts again from the old wood.
Tip
A sycamore tree receives the most important pruning of its long tree life immediately after planting. If you have decided on a young plant as a substrate-free root product or bale product, a lot of root mass will be lost during the excavation in the tree nursery. You can compensate for this loss by shortening all shoots by about a third.
