Menu

Call This Saturday to Get $25 OFF

banner

How to Trim & Shape a Red Maple Tree

Native to North America, the red maple tree is a traditional tree with vibrant green leaves during the…

Jan 06,2019

How to Trim & Shape a Red Maple Tree

Native to North America, the red maple tree is a traditional tree with vibrant green leaves during the spring and summer and bright yellow, orange, and red leaves in the fall. It is a fast-growing tree, growing more than one to two feet per year, and can grow up to 60 feet tall. Due to its rapid growth, trimming and pruning is crucial if you want to maintain its wonderful oval outline. The ISA-certified arborists at Sesmas Tree Service are always ready to deliver top-quality trimming and shaping, but we have also put together this article to help you tackle this task on your own if you prefer to. Do not hesitate to call Sesmas Tree Service when you need assistance.

image

What You Will Need

Our Services

image Your Trusted Local Arborists

Land Clearing Services

Not every tree removal business can handle large-scale site clearing and site preparation projects like Sesmas Tree Service can. We…

Learn More
image Your Trusted Local Arborists

Retention Pond & Stormwater Maintenance

Property management companies and HOA’s in Georgia are required to maintain their retention ponds to make sure their stormwaters on their properties…

Learn More
image Your Trusted Local Arborists
image Your Trusted Local Arborists

Commercial Office/Industrial

At Sesmas Tree Service, we understand that the main priorities at your commercial office and industrial sites are to keep…

Learn More
  • Pruning shears
  • Tree saw
  • Goggles
  • Work gloves
  • Ladder
  • Trash bags

When to Start

We recommend that you trim or prune during the late spring, between May and early June whenever the new leaves on the tree are fully developed. This is also when the tree produces much less sap. Heavy sap flow, common later in the year, can turn your tree pruning experience into a nightmare as sap is sticky and messy.

Getting Started

Bring your tools together and make sure to put safety first by gearing up with safety goggles and work gloves. Take a good look at your tree and determine which branches to prune in order to get the idea oval shape. Young trees should not be pruned too aggressively while older trees can be tackled more freely. There should only be one main center branch. Competing branches should be pruned back.

Customer Reviews

Noel and his team at Sesmas Tree Service are extremely professional, do quality work, and are available when you need them. I have been using them for the past year and have never been disappointed with any service they have provided. Noel is the first person I call when I need any tree work done!

Matthew Keheley

I absolutely love the work ethic displayed by Sesmas employees. They work hard and fast! My property looks amazing! This is the second time in 5 years that I have used their services and customer satisfaction is still at the top of their list.

Evita Fikes

Sesmas did a terrific job for us on a project completed today involving the removal of 18 problem trees. Project was completed exactly as promised, skillfully and for a reasonable price. Mike Fowler was excellent in overseeing the work and his crew was outstanding. Highly recommend!

Kathryn Arvidson

These guys were on point. Verified the request before beginning (always good, because the trees aren't coming back!). Then made sure the trimming was done to exactly where I wanted it. On time, fast, and completely cleaned up after - was a great experience. Highly recommend!

Josh Pitchford

Get to Work

If you do not know proper pruning techniques, then consider reading or watching a tutorial before beginning. Start by removing all dead branches and branches that do not have leaves as close to the trunk as possible. You only want between five and eight main branches on mature trees, and only three or four on trees younger than five years of age. Cut away new shoots that are growing from the middle of existing branches as well as ones sprouting too close to the trunk. You want new shoots to sprout from the end of branches.

Remove Safety Hazards

Consider removing branches that obstruct pedestrian walkways, driveways, or roads. Similarly, remove precarious branches that overarch your home, structures, or utility lines. Gusts of wind can tear such branches and cause damage to your property or, worse, harm pedestrians and passersby. Remember to always wear goggles and gloves when pruning and get a friend to hold the ladder for you while you work on high branches.

Call the Professionals

If you prefer to have an ISA-certified arborist take care of the trimming, pruning, and shaping of your beautiful maple tree, then call Sesmas Tree Service to get in touch with a friendly representative. We can schedule a flexible appointment or arrange an emergency dispatch to your location. We are ready when you are.

 

Blogs & Latest News

Stay updated with the latest tips, trends, and insights from Sesmas. Explore expert advice on tree care, safety, and maintenance to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful year-round.

View All
Dec 23,2025

When a Tree Stops Being an Asset and Becomes a Risk

Trees are magnificent entities that add beauty and functionality to your home. However, they can pose serious risks if left unattended.…

Read More
Dec 17,2025

Why Trees Are the Unsung Heroes of Your Neighborhood

Trees are magnificent entities that improve our landscapes and the environment. Whether it’s their profound beauty during spring or the shield…

Read More
Dec 09,2025

Why Tree Care Is Essential for Home Value and Curb Appeal

Taking care of trees on your property regularly is one of the smartest investments you can make to protect long-term value…

Read More
Dec 04,2025

The Step-by-Step Process of Professional Stump Grinding

After cutting down a potentially hazardous tree on your property, the job is not complete until you get rid of the…

Read More