A Norway maple tree (Acer platanoides) prefers not to be bothered with pruning shears and a saw. Its shapely silhouette and dense foliage unfold naturally magnificently. However, pruning is not completely out of the question as long as it is carried out professionally at the right time. These instructions explain when and how to prune your maple in an exemplary manner.
When and how should you prune a Norway maple?
The best time to prune a Norway maple is in the fall after the leaves fall. Only cut last year's growth 2-3 mm above a leaf node, hold the scissors at a slight angle and seal large cuts with tree wax (€11.00 at Amazon).
When is the best time?
The strong sap flow of a Norway maple makes pruning a sticky undertaking. In the middle of the growing season, cuts literally bleed. You can avoid this problem by choosing your appointment carefully. The best time to prune Norway maple and its varieties is in autumn, when the leaves have started to fall. At this time, the flow of sap within the ducts almost comes to a standstill.
What does the gardener pay particular attention to when pruning?
With a few exceptions, all maple species find it difficult to sprout again from old wood. This fact should be taken into account when making cuts on the Norway maple. How to do it right:
- Limit pruning to last year's growth
- Make cuts 2-3 mm above a leaf node
- Hold the scissors at a slight angle so that plant sap and rain can drain away better
If you discover a thick, dead branch in the Norway maple, a different cut is required. First saw the branch from the bottom to the middle at a distance of 30 cm from the trunk. Now move the saw a few centimeters outwards. Now saw from above until the branch breaks off. Please cut off the stub so that the branch ring between the shoot and trunk is not damaged.
Seal cuts or not?
Small cuts on the Norway maple close up on their own. However, if the pruning leaves a wound the diameter of a 2 euro coin or larger, we recommend wound treatment. To protect the dividing cambium wood under the bark from frost, apply a thin layer of tree wax to the edges of the wound (€11.00 at Amazon). Next spring the cut will be filled with fresh wood.
Tip
While a topiary cut on the Norway maple is at your discretion, this does not apply to the infestation with the vermilion pustule fungus. This tree disease resists all known fungicides. Only consistent pruning into he althy wood can save a Norway maple from destruction.
