Looking for tree trimming company in Raleigh or tips on how to prune a maple tree. (landscaping)

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I have two relatively young maple trees of unknown age in the side yard of my house. I am interested in pruning them as I think they have a lot of "suckers" or unnecessary bottom growth that is robbing energy from the tree and preventing it from growing into a proper mature form. I don't know jack about pruning trees and am paranoid that if I start sawing off limbs I will either kill the tree or permanently disfigure it!

Does anybody know of a reputable tree service in the Raleigh area that will take on such a modest job and trim these trees so they will be back on their way to maturing into healthy looking maples? Any ideas on what kind of costs may be involved?


I know these are young trees, but I really want them to grow into some great looking mature trees one day. Here are two pics of the trees in question:


Maple Tree #1



Maple Tree #2

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I thought I would revive this thread since spring is around the corner and people seem to be focusing once again on trees, yards, and landscaping in general. I would still like to find somebody to prune these two maple trees on my property. Maybe they don't need it, but I just want to make sure the tree is forming a strong structure for sustained healthy growth into a mature tree. If it needs to be pruned and "trained" into this growth pattern, I don't want to miss the opportunity while it is still relatively young.

has anybody hired a tree expert to prune their trees? If so, what kind of ball park figure should I expect to pay? I am considering doing it myself because it is such a small job, but I am worried I will do more harm than good and am willing to pay a pro for their time.

Thanks for the input!

~ NRG

[alice_61]

Arbor Day :: View topic - Proper pruning of young maple tree. (http://forums.arborday.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3287 - broken link)

Pruning:
Most red maples, if in good health and free to grow, need very little pruning. Only "train" for developing a leading shoot which will become the dominant shoot that establishes the tree's framework.
Maples should not be pruned in spring and will bleed profusely. Wait to prune until late summer to early autumn and only on a young tree. Red maple is a large grower and needs at least 10 to 15 feet of clear trunk when it matures. How to Manage and ID Red Maple

When is the best time to prune a small Maple tree? - Yahoo! Answers