Talk:Maokai/@comment-74.96.1.65-20110629231737/@comment-3532889-20110701004740

I agree, I never level saplings up past level 1, for all of the reasons mentioned, and since I've reached lvl 30, I've stopped using clarity as well. However, laning Maokai is undeniably weaker without saplings, so as long as you know the pros and cons... That's why I jungle actually. Jungling is effective without more then one level in saplings, because of arcane smash, and Mao can become a ganking demon if you level up Arcane Smash and Twisted Advance.

However, as far as the ult is concerned, I consider it an invaluable tool at all levels, 6 included. I guess it's just preference, but putting that level in TA or AS just give you bonus killing power, leveling that in ult gives killing power, and everything else.