we have a maple tree which we planted five or six years ago. It has perfecty healthy leaves on the lower branches but the upper branches are always bare. Can we do anything to make leaves grow here?
By Glendg
East Sussex,
United Kingdom 
I have thought of nicking the bark under the leaf buds as with fruit trees. Would that work? We are on the edge of marshland so have very rich soil with a clay underlayer.
3 May, 2009
Nick over the buds, to promote growth, nick underneath and you will reduce growth. Use a sharp knife and cut through the cambrian layer.
3 May, 2009