Acer Maple Growth

Question: Do the "shooting branches" indicate good growth for this tree and be left alone, or do they need to be pruned?  If pruned, when is the optimal time of year?

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied July 13, 2023, 8:02 AM EDT
response: Hello Christina, Sorry Christina about your tree! Those shoot-like branches are called “watersprouts” and they usually form when the tree is stressed or possibly heavily pruned. I’ve included a couple articles to inform. Certain trees are more susceptible and maples are one of those trees. The sprouts can be removed at the base with some being left to form branches if in a desirable location.  The optimal time of year to prune is November through March, although water sprouts removed in early summer can slow growth.(See the following articles)   https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2021/02/can-water-sprouts-suckers-be-prevented-trees https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2021/02/can-water-sprouts-suckers-be-prevented-trees  https://www.americanarbor.net/what-are-water-sprouts-on-trees https://www.montana.edu/extension/carbon/documents/ygpruning%20deciduous%20trees.pdf https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-456/430-456.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2023, 4:24 PM EDT
response: Hello, Cindy…  This is a tree that in October will be 2 years in the ground transplanted from a nursery.  So it’s still “acclimating” (I hope).  Based on what I’m reading, the tree might be stressed for various reasons, many of which are out of my control at this point.  I CAN prune what I don’t want, and keep what might develop into a good branch.  Correct?     Thanks much!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2023 8:03 AM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Acer Maple Growth (#0110183)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied July 13, 2023, 5:15 PM EDT
response: Yes, that is correct and now I know that the watersprouts are not due to over pruning!  Good luck! Thanks for your question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2023, 9:15 AM EDT
response: Hello again.  Thank you for your thorough response.  Attaching a few photos taken this morning Aug 12.  Tree purchased Oct 5 2021; planted by landscape Oct 18 2021.     A friend who’s a master gardener noted “the tree is stressed, and it was planted too low by the nursery.”  I.e., The root flare is not exposed.  Note photo taken Oct 2021 showing the nursery planting with no root flare.   As you see from Aug 12 photos, I’ve removed approx 3” of dirt to expose the girdling roots and hairy roots.  The diagram suggests I need to do a lot more “tender” and careful digging to expose the flare.   What is your advice?  Do I continue to dig to expose the flare?  UG!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2023 8:03 AM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Acer Maple Growth (#0110183)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied August 14, 2023, 12:32 PM EDT
response: Hello again! Yes, it does appear to have been planted too deeply. I have included another article to inform. However, it may be wise to hire a certified arborist with the proper tools to help expose the root flares with root excavation tools.  I’ve also included a list of the certified arborists in Michigan.   So glad you are so concerned about your tree and keeping it in good health !  https://www.asm-isa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=883139&module_id=274045   https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2023, 2:02 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  I’m now a root-flare/girdling root expert!  An arborist is visiting this week, thank goodness!   Appreciate your support.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 12:32 PM To: Christina Pitts <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Acer Maple Growth (#0110183)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied August 14, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Good luck