The sycamore maple develops its sublime stature and picturesque crown without the gardener having to do anything. If the Rübezahl among the maple species still blows up the spatial dimensions, use the scissors to limit growth. Of course, the low tolerance to cuts requires a careful approach. This guide explains how to professionally cut an Acer pseudoplatanus.

In early summer, the sycamore maple can get a slight shape cut

Sap flow and legislators determine the best time

A strong flow of sap begins in the sycamore maple early in the year, which prohibits drastic pruning. The classic pruning date for trees in early spring does not apply to an Acer pseudoplatanus. In the summer, the sap flow decreases noticeably. However, the Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits far-reaching cutting measures from March 1st to September 30th. How to do it right:

  • Main pruning with removal of deadwood: from October to December
  • Slight topiary: between the end of June and mid-July

Cut sycamore maple 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. Make sure when cutting that the knot is not damaged. On this occasion, please also cut off branches pointing towards the inside of the crown. If two competing tips form, the weaker shoot should be sawn off as close as possible to the trunk and to the branch.

If you want to reduce the crown overall, ideally act according to the minimum principle. Cut back as much as necessary and as little as possible. If it's just the cut of this year's growth, grab the scissors in June/July. Always position the blade a short distance from a leaf, a bud or a dormant eye to encourage vigorous budding.

Serious pruning measures on the sycamore maple should be well thought out, as it rarely sprout again from the old wood.

tips

A sycamore maple receives the most important pruning of its long tree life immediately after planting. If you have decided on a young plant as substrate-free root material or ball material, a lot of root mass will be lost during the excavation in the tree nursery. You compensate for this loss by shortening all shoots by about a third.

Category:

Trees