Question
Hello,
We have a Silver Maple that is about 40' tall and 6'+ in circumference.  Due to tornado damage that happened about 9 months ago, like to trim it down substantially to 15' to 20'. Can a Maple live if you cut it back to 2-3 feet of the main fork that is 12 or so feet up.
Also when would be the best time of year to trim, we are in the south west corner of Virgina.

I have upload some pictures, that i hope you can see. I am not sure if the falling tree caused the large crack under the damage area or not, but it would be in the area cut.


Front Side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/goatface_/front.jpg
Left Side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/goatface_/left_side.jpg
Right side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/goatface_/right_side.jpg
Back
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/goatface_/back.jpg
Damage Close
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/goatface_/damage.jpg
Damage Far
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/goatface_/damage2.jpg

Thank you.


Answer
I would just prune the damaged part of the tree and not cut it back from the top. If you cut the main top the tree will grow into more of a bush than a tree. Cut the broken limb back to the trunk and remove any loose bark from the break. It is hard to give details from a picture so you might want to call the Va Forestry state agency and ask one of their Foresters to come take a look and advice you. Their number should be in your local phone book.