Identification: Please help identify this large tree!

Hello,


I recently purchased a new property and need help identifying this large feature tree. It has grown a bit out of control and I need to prune it (branches are weeping over driveway), I just wanted to know what it was before I start. My first guess was some sort of maple, but the leaves are quite small and the branches almost seem to weep. Hopefully your guess is better than mine.. Thanks in advance.

 

Maybe a Plane tree - Platanus spp? It doesn't seem quite 100% maple-y to me. The fastest test for this is to look for seeds - Maples make a samara with two wings, and Planes make a spiky ball.

 

Red Maple Acer rubrum or Freeman Maple A. × freemanii (Red × Silver hybrid).

 

Thanks for the replies. I haven't seen any seeds (wings) and I had a good look for any fruit or other distinguishing features to no avail. Here is a closer look at a leaf...

 

I'll second Acer rubrum.

I think your expectations of this tree's eventual presence were overwhelmed rather than it growing out of control. Your tree is very much in line with what I would expect out of this species. Avoid any drastic reductions or large limb removals. Structurally and density wise, you've got a gorgeous tree. I would recommend a good climbing maintenance prune from one of your area's professionals to remove dead, dying and diseased tissue, as well as making corrections to any early structural issues (crossing/rubbing, narrow angle unions, etc.).

I should also mention that your third image of the lower trunk raised some mild concerns for me. Red Maple and narrow angle unions (bark inclusion) are a classic combination, and it can be a major weakness down low on the trunk when two stems are oscillating independently. Having a second opinion from an Arborist experienced with the species, and tree cabling/bracing systems is advised.

 

Thanks for the information. I will have a professional come in to give it a proper prune. Looking forward to the red leaves in the fall!

 

Fall color of species ranges from yellow to reddish purple, with different individuals producing different dominant colors.