As your tree becomes more established, you may wish to encourage the development of layers to create the stereotypical form of a mature Japanese maple tree.Lower lateral branches that crowd into nearby shrubs or excessively overhang footpaths can be pruned away.Go slowly to prevent inadvertently slicing into an adjacent branch.Remove any dead or dying branches with discoloured or flaking bark with a clean cut.Top Tip: When pruning Japanese Maples, cut outside the 'collar' leaving just one-quarter of an inch (0.5cm) as cuts made too close to the stem may not heal and larger stumps may decay and harbour pests/diseases.ġ) Remove dead, diseased and damaged branches Height can rarely be controlled without damaging your tree. Instead, choose one with a maximum height and spread suitable for your location.
Do not try to restrict the height of your tree.Do not cut any branches which are more than half the diameter of the main stem.Do not remove more than one-quarter of the foliage from any branch, for the same reason.Never remove more than 20% of the crown of a Japanese Maple tree - this will not only put the plant under stress but also stimulate unsightly growth.Our best advice is to leave your tree unpruned for as long as possible - removing only dead, damaged, badly-placed or crossing branches to encourage a good framework to form.As branches mature they'll widen, forming the robust architectural framework you're looking for. If you're impatient and chop them off you'll only make the problem worse as shortening of pruning away whippy branches only stimulates more of the same. Young Japanese maples may initially develop whippy side branches.Sharpen your tools if needed before you start to prune - blunt tools are more likely to snap branches, letting in pests and diseases that will harm your tree.If your tree has branches thicker than our middle finger a pruning saw may come in useful (or keyhole saw for extra precision). Secateurs are all you'll need for young Japanese Maple trees.Pruning in winter after the leaves have fallen also makes it easier to assess the framework of branches and gauge the best places to cut.Choosing the right time to prune is key - Japanese maples will bleed sap if pruning is done any later than the end of December.Acer palmatum dissectum (and cultivars) - a smaller tree with a weeping habit.Acer palmatum - an upright, understory tree.The two most common forms of Japanese maple are: Pruning out crossing branches of Acer palmatum dissectum Japanese maple is often referred to as "shell" pruning because, when done correctly, the top layer of branches form a protective veil of foliage with a shell-like appearance.
Best time to trim maple trees how to#
A minimalist approach works best - much of our advice below is about what to avoid doing, as much as how to prune your tree. Some simple pruning can restore or enhance their natural beauty, bringing out the best of these garden favourites for summer and winter viewing. Prune Japanese maples (Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum) after leaf fall but before January.
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