Return to: Business NewsWhy Your Maple or Birch Tree Might Be “Bleeding” This Spring By Perry GlantonHave you seen sap dripping from your maple or birch tree after pruning this spring? If so, don’t worry—this is something that happens a lot, especially here in Griffin, GA. It’s called “sap bleeding,” and while it might look strange, it’s usually not harmful to your tree. If you’re a homeowner in Georgia thinking about spring tree pruning, this quick guide will help you understand why sap bleeding happens, when to prune your trees, and how to keep them healthy all season long. What Is Sap Bleeding? • Sap bleeding is when liquid (sap) flows out of a tree after it’s been cut or trimmed. • It happens most often in early spring, especially with trees like maple, birch, walnut, and elm. • The sap moves up the tree when the weather warms up. If you prune during this time, the sap comes out of the cut. Is Sap Bleeding Bad for the Tree? • For most trees, sap bleeding looks messy—but it’s not dangerous. • Still, it can: ? Attract bugs like ants or beetles ? Bring in fungus or disease through the open cut ? Make a sticky mess on sidewalks, patios, or cars When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees Like Maples and Birches? • The best time to trim or prune these trees is in late fall or early winter, when they’re still asleep (dormant). • Don’t prune them from late February to early April—this is when sap is rising the most. • Pruning during dormancy helps trees heal faster and avoids heavy sap flow. Tree Trimming Tips for Georgia Homeowners • Always use clean, sharp tools to make neat cuts. • Try not to remove large branches unless needed. • Don’t use pruning paint or tree wound products—they don’t help and can cause problems. • If you’re not sure what to do, call a local tree service for help. Quick Tree Facts • A healthy maple tree can release up to 5 gallons of sap a day in early spring. • Sap bleeding doesn’t kill trees—but bad pruning habits can weaken them over time. • Tree types that often bleed sap: silver maple, sugar maple, river birch, boxelder, walnut, and elm. Why This Matters In Georgia, our trees wake up earlier because of warmer weather. That means the sap starts rising in late winter. If you prune too late, your tree will likely bleed. At Southern Tree Solutions, we see this every year and help homeowners fix it—or avoid it in the first place. We provide expert tree trimming and pruning services throughout Spalding, Lamar, and Pike Counties. We always think about what kind of tree you have, the best time to work on it, and how to keep it healthy for years to come. Need Help with Tree Pruning or Sap Bleeding? If you’ve got a tree bleeding sap or you’re planning spring tree maintenance, let us know. We’ll take a look and help you make the best choice for your yard. To learn more, visit www.southerntreega.com or give us a call: (770) 880-8910 Take care, P ... News Release: Why Your Maple or Birch Tree Might Be “Bleeding” This Spring By Perry Glanton Submitted on: April 11, 2025 09:41:23 AM Submitted by: southerntree solutions On behalf of: https://southerntreega.com/ |