How to Prune Maple Trees in February

Pruning Your Maple Tree in February

• 1

  Examine the maple trees branches. Make a note of any branches that appear damaged, sickly or dead. Mark these branches by tying a strip of colored yarn around each branch to help you relocate them later on for pruning.

• 2

  Use the lopping shears to cut off any ill or damaged maple tree branches. Position the lopping shears so that the jaws are an inch away from the trunk of the tree. This will prevent the trunk from being accidentally cut open, which can leave the tree vulnerable to disease and illness.

• 3

  Use the lopping shears to cut off low hanging branches that can get in the path of people walking beneath the tree. If the tree branch is thin, use small garden clippers to cut and remove it.

• 4

  Inspect the maple tree for any branches that come into contact with other branches. These branches can rub against each other, creating friction and ultimately causing a branch to break off and cause harm to passersby or property. Remove these branches with the lopping shears, following the technique outlined in step 3.

• 5

  Inspect the maple tree for branches growing out at angles that interfere with the symmetry of the tree. Remove these branches with the lopping shears to improve the maple tree's aesthetic look.