Field maple (Feldahorn) is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to plant a lush, natural-looking hedge. But to keep it at the perfect height and maintain that nice, compact shape, you’re going to need to get comfortable with your pruning shears. Here’s the lowdown on how to prune your hedge and what you should keep in mind to keep it looking its best.
The Best Time to Prune
Field maple has a reputation for being incredibly low-maintenance, and it definitely lives up to the hype when it comes to pruning. You actually have a few different windows throughout the year to grab your tools and tidy things up.
Here’s when you can prune your field maple hedge:
- Between January and March (late winter/early spring)
- In the fall after the leaves have dropped
- A light “haircut” or shaping in late June
If you’re planning a major overhaul—what we call a rejuvenation prune—there are a few rules to follow. To protect nesting birds, it’s best to save heavy structural pruning for the window between October 1st and February 28th. This still gives you plenty of time to get the job done! If you tackle this before winter sets in, your hedge will reward you with beautiful new growth come springtime.
How to Get the Job Done
One of the best things about field maple is how well it handles a trim. Even if you take off quite a bit, this plant is a survivor and will sprout right back. In fact, because of its vigorous growth habit, regular pruning actually helps the hedge become thicker and fuller over time.
Here are my pro tips for a successful cut:
- Always use sharp pruning tools for clean cuts.
- Give your tools a quick disinfect before you start to keep the plants healthy.
- Start by cutting out any deadwood.
- Remove any “rogue” branches that are growing crooked or crossing over others.
- Finish by shaping the hedge to your desired length and look.
For the best results, try to make your cuts a few centimeters above a bud. A popular look for field maple is a slight pyramid shape (wider at the bottom, narrower at the top)—this ensures the lower branches get enough sunlight. If you want perfectly straight lines, try stretching a piece of string or wire as a guide before you start cutting!
