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young maple with no branches

13 years ago

I've searched for answer but can't find anything. A squirrel planted a maple near our deck a few years ago. I don't know what kind, it's not a red maple. The tree has grown straight up and is now about 10' tall. Problem is it has no branches. It has lots of leaves along the narrow trunk with most clustered near the top. It is not staked but I plan to stake it this weekend. We were using the deck rails and rope, but it needs better treatment.

What can I do to encourage branching above the highest deck railing? (I'm not an experienced gardener, so go easy on me.) Thanks for your help. I have photos but can't see how to post them.

Comments (2)

Embothrium
13 years ago
Let it grow as it wants, as long as there is room for it there.

Or it is not actually a white mulberry.
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
13 years ago
bboy is right.

You COULD top the tree at deck railing height. Sometimes this will promote energy for lower branches. Young healthy trees often recover from this. Most folks hate it when their young tree looses a central leader though.

What amount of sun does it get? Less sun more likely the tree will grow tall and thin like a forest grown tree.

What kind of maples do you have nearby? They're the most likely parents. How big are they? I have a volunteer white ash growing near my shed. Its way to close to the shed but I've let it go until this or next year when I'll have to cut it down. Too much longer and it'll be a liability.
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