I am having trouble identifying the following tree. I think it is a variety of maple. Also, it is currently July in Georgia, can/should I prune a few of the lower branches before they get large? Will this also encourage the tree to start growing in diameter rather than height?
A red maple? What color does it turn in the fall?
Pruning to shape a tree in summer is good. Do not wait too much longer though. The only way to control the height is careful pruning throught the canopy. But some thought must be put into this beacause of auxin dominance and watersprouts. Lower branches can usually be attacked with impunity (just don’t leave any surfaces where water can collect or prune too close to the trunk)
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My wife is a forester and a certified arborist. She said it is definitely some kind of maple, possibly an Amur Maple. But she is to point out that a) there are zillions of maples and b) she is only professionally familiar with Upper Midwestern and Northern California species, so YMMV.
The leaves just turn brown and fall off. I know in the spring, the tree has a bunch of red things before the leaves come out.
I would say likely a red maple then. Called red because of the flowers.
Sometimes the foliage goes red too, but depends on cultivar and if you get sudden frosts.
Should grow to about 50’. Leaves look a bit splotchy though. Might need manganese or iron.
That looks like it! Thanks everyone for the assistance!