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How does this shaping and growth look on my crimson queen?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hello,

I purchased a small crimson queen laceleaf jap maple about a month ago and have since planted and pruned. I have been studying up on how to properly prune and am satisfied with the current shape of the tree as well as how i am training the branches to form. However, would like some feedback as to thoughts or critiques by some "professionals" on here if possible... Always love insight and feedback from others. Thanks in advance!!
~Steve

Here is a close up of the tree for better idea of direction of branches.

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Comments (3)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
Is that the height you want? If you want the tree to grow taller vertically, you will need to gently stake the uppermost branch into a more upright position. As that branch splits into two pretty similar structures, you can pick either half to do so although I'd be inclined to pick the right hand side as it appears a bit more vigorous.

If you don't encourage any more vertical growth, then the height you see now will about as much as you are going to get.......all additional branching will be pendulous and just layer on top of itself.

And just an FYI, but 'Crimson Queen' is one of the widest growing of the weeping JM's, often reaching 10-12' across in favorable climates.

(ps. please abbreviate to JM or type out Japanese - the term "jap" is pejorative and offensive)
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Steve Nichols thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
stuartlawrence (7b L.I. NY)
6 years ago
I would recommend pulling away the mulch so it doesn't touch the Japanese Maple's trunk. Move it several inches away because mulch can cause rot to the tree's trunk if mulch touches it for too long.
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Steve Nichols thanked stuartlawrence (7b L.I. NY)
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magpiepix 5b/6a
6 years ago
I'd avoid pruning a newly planted tree-- pruning can be stressful for a plant, and I always try to wait a season or two (at least) before pruning a new JM. It's good to get to know the tree and watch its form develop, too. Sometimes it takes them a few years to fill in and show you what their form will be.

That said, in general I'd avoid the "lollipop" trimming of weeping JMs. This is a great example of what NOT to do: http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/rsz_dsc_0001.jpg

Depending on its location, and the amount of sun that would hit its branches and trunk, you can prune (eventually) so that it has a more open/exposed shape: https://www.gardenfactoryny.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/3/136115.jpg

...or a more covered shape: https://www.thetreecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/crimson-queen-japanese-maple-11.jpg

You may want to study "shell pruning" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGH9jC5_CBI

...which over time will leave you with something like this: http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d622e1af77195bc26a6b01c5719a3665.wix_mp_512

For now, let it be. At most, stake a main leader so that you are getting some height and differentiation in shape in different parts of the tree. You will probably want it to develop different heights in different areas for good shape and form. Stake a leader, give it a season or two to fill out, then start studying the form of the tree and making a plan for guiding it toward a beautiful shape.

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