r/sfwtrees • u/Willing-Space4227 • 7d ago

Young maple chasing the sun?

Post image

We have a young maple tree of some variety that was planted prior to moving in to our home. The branches are all growing out in one direction and there doesn’t seem to be a central leader. I’m seeking advice on how to either correct this or if it should be removed all together. My theory is that the branches are growing east toward the sun, because the house is on the west side. All the direct sun it’s getting is in the morning, and the afternoon sun is blocked by the house.

I am new to caring for trees and appreciate any advice! We planted a sensation maple in the backyard last year that seems to have more than doubled in size. I’m disappointed to see this one struggling, but know if it does need to come out the sooner I do it the easier it will be.

Thank you!

13 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

8

u/Vast-Ad4194 7d ago

Could be wind. All the apple trees at my friends apple farm lean westward because of the wind in the area coming off the water.

6

u/youzerVT71 7d ago

Snip a couple of the longer ones and it will fill out more and figure out it's leader, which looks to be the longest center one here. I think you can trim small maples any time of year? Not sure, though. I had one like this and just left it alone and it turned out beautiful.

2

u/jokeswagon 7d ago

Agreed. Rein this tree in or you’re gonna have a bad time.

4

u/grrttlc2 Certified Arborist 7d ago

Planted too deep! Dig down, expose the root flare, get rid of the stones and give it a proper wide much ring.

Seems counterintuitive, but this will straighten out the tree's growth