Evaluation – Trident Maple

Tree is in great health with extremely vigorous growth (18″ per year). Bark on trunk is complete and without damage. Caliper measured at about 4.75″ which is well over double from when it was planted. Previous pruning points have healed over well, with 2-3 new shoots coming from upper points as expected.

Recommendations:

1. Prune for structure (see below)
2. Stop irrigation of the tree.
3. Don’t fertilize other plants within 15 feet of the tree, if possible.

Pruning – TO BE COMPLETED

Prune to reduce growth of competing side trunks so that the central trunk remains the dominant one.

Prune out crossing branches (only a couple).

Prune to have an even scaffold of branches around the trunk.

Prune bottom small branches to raise canopy.

Thin out shoots where 3 shoots are coming out of one pruning point.

Dispose of debris.

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Also, remove Holly shoot growing at the base of the nearby Japanese Maple