I need to trim a specific limb of this tree, but I'm not sure where the best place to trim it. The branch marked in this photo extends over the sidewalk and is in the way of pedestrians. I'd like to remedy that with a minimum of damage/change to the tree. Should it be trimmed closest to the trunk, or further out on the branch, only affecting the parts that are over the sidewalk? (the two smaller branches marked with paint in the photos)
I am located 10-12 miles south of Nashville in middle Tennessee. Maple trees (which is what this is) can survive in our hardiness zone. It was planted in late 2016 when our house was built. I did not plant the tree, so I don't know the details there. We don't water it specifically, and have removed the mulch from around the base. The tree was recently coated in about a half inch of ice for 3-4 days (Jan 24-27), but does not appear to have sustained any damage. All limbs that were drooping have returned to their original positions, and nothing was broken off of the tree during that time.
Thank you!!
by librarychic03
1 Comment
Trim it at the collar. That can definitely come down, and I’d do it in early Spring. Look up the 3-cut method before attempting this. You want to “limb up” the tree. Once it reaches a certain height, you shouldn’t have to bend down to mow the lawn.
Just re-read your post. You may have removed the mulch, but you still don’t have enough root flare. The tree was likely planted too shallow, but hopefully you can get some years out of it if you expose some flare.