Transplanted Maples Leafing at Base: Check Top, Prune Dead

Edmonton: maples transplanted last year looked dead this spring, now new growth at base. Prune?

Check for Life

• Scrape bark on upper branches: green = alive; brown = dead.
• Work down until green found.

Prune

• Cut dead branches back to live wood (or trunk).
• Multiple sprouts will emerge; select one leader later.

Bottom Line

Scrape to find green. Prune dead. Basal growth means roots alive. Train new leader.