Question
I have 2, 30ft or larger maple trees and 3, 30ft or larger pine trees i need to trim them back myself but can't find the right info on what time of year is best. The pine needs trimed from the bottom to open more space in my already small yard the branch size is 3 inches max.. The  maple tree has larger branches about 6 inch or larger. I'm worried about the trees bleeding too much.  I know how to cut just not sure about when the best time is. If it helps I live in the northern panhandle of West Viginia.   Thanks, Tim

Answer
Maples.
Some trees have free-flowing sap that 揵leeds?after late winter or early spring pruning. Though this bleeding causes little harm, it may still be a source of concern. To prevent bleeding, you could prune the following trees after their leaves are fully expanded in late spring or early summer. Never remove more than 1/4 of the live foliage. Examples include:
all maples, including box elder
Pines can be pruned at any time bu the fall is best to not attrack bark beetles.

To remove large branches, three or four cuts will be necessary to avoid tearing the bark. Make the first cut on the underside of the branch about 18 inches from the trunk. Undercut one-third to one-half way through the branch. Make the second cut an inch further out on the branch; cut until the branch breaks free.

Before making the final cut severing a branch from the main stem, identify the branch collar. The branch collar grows from the stem tissue around the base of the branch. Make pruning cuts so that only branch tissue (wood on the branch side of the collar) is removed. Be careful to prune just beyond the branch collar, but DON扵 leave a stub. If the branch collar is left intact after pruning, the wound will seal more effectively and stem tissue probably will not decay.

Do not use wound dressing on the cuts this will slow the healing process.