Field maple is a master of floral versatility. The native maple species thrives equally well as a hedge and as an impressive solitaire. These instructions focus on professional tree pruning on the measuring holder with tips for the right time.
When and how do I properly cut a field maple?
When and how should you cut a field maple? The best time to cut a field maple is when the sap is dormant between February and March or alternatively after the leaves fall in autumn. First, remove dead wood and cut branches a short distance from a leaf node. Thick branches should be cut off gradually and carefully.
The best time is in winter – tips for choosing a date
In the course of its rapid growth, a field maple sometimes loses its decorative crown shape. Pruning is therefore essential, at least at a young age. One of the numerous advantages of an Acer campestre is the flexible choice of appointments. These options are available:
- Optimal date: during the sap dormancy between February and March
- Alternative date: after the leaves fall in autumn
- Summer care cut: after St. John's Day at the end of June/beginning of July
It is important to note that it is not freezing or the blazing sun is shining during the day itself. Ideally the weather will be mild, overcast and dry.
Cut field maple in stages – this is how it works
The main cut in autumn or late winter initially targets the dead wood. Cut off dead, stunted and inward-facing branches at the base. Do not leave any stubs standing because this is a popular target for diseases and pests. Position the scissors or saw so that the tree branch is not injured.
A thinned out crown makes it easier to decide to what extent the branches should be shortened. Pick up a pair of freshly sharpened, disinfected pruning shears (€38.00 on Amazon). Place each cutting a short distance from a leaf node. With this cut you can awaken sleeping eyes from their slumber so that they can sprout vitality on time next spring.
Cut thick branches perfectly – this is how you do it right
When cutting thick branches, there is a risk of injury to the gardener and the tree. In gardening practice, a step-by-step approach based on the “salami tactic” has proven to be successful. First saw the branch about 2 cm deep from bottom to top at a distance of 10 cm from the trunk. Now place the saw at a distance of 15 cm from the top and cut until the branch breaks.
Finally, saw off the remaining stub on Astring and smooth the cut with a sharp knife.
Tip
The ball field maple (Acer campestre “Nanum”) is very popular with home gardeners because it is much easier to cut than a ball maple (Acer platanoides “Globosum”). A globe maple only receives extensive pruning in exceptional cases because the tree tends to bleed. A refined spherical field maple is not burdened with this disadvantage.
