Heavy pruning/Trunk chop

[esteve59]

I have a few Trident maples and some Acer Palmatums that don't have much lower branching and I want to do some trunk chops and heavy pruning to start some new growth,,,,
should I wait for them to leaf out or go ahead now...??
I am in Maryland Zone 7.

Let me rephrase...
What is the best time for deciduous trees in general...
IS it ok to do this in the fall....mid-winter ??....

 

[Don Blackmond]

I have a few Trident maples and some Acer Palmatums that don't have much lower branching and I want to do some trunk chops and heavy pruning to start some new growth,,,,
What is the best time.?
should I wait for them to leaf out or go ahead now...??
I am in Maryland Zone 7.

now.................

 

[sikadelic]

You would want to do it prior to or just as the buds are swelling. Pay attention to the native trees in your area. They can clue you in to when the growing season is about to kick off. That's what I did with the chop I performed this year.