Need some pruning advise on a japanese maple
Andy F
6 years ago
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Comments (6)
stuartlawrence (7b L.I. NY)
6 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Pruning a Weeping Japanese Maple?
Comments (16)In the top picture there is a narrow 'V' where the two main branches diverge. Narrow crotches like this split easier than branches that go out at a wider angle. Snow and ice usually do it as the branches get larger. Kids and dogs are also culprits, as is mishandling. If you look closely this has already happened at the very top of the maple. Choose a maple with a good structure that will hold a good canopy in the future. The lower left limb on my maple has no future as it will eventually be superceded by the branches above it. It does not contribute to supporting the canopy. It has subsequently been removed. I should have spotted it earlier....See MoreJapanese Maple Pruning Question
Comments (7)I agree, the reduction should be fine as long as the root system is large enough and the tree appears to be in good health (has not had any pest problems etc.. recently). I would recommend buying some tree wound sealant, or at the least using some Vaseline to cover the wound. Open wounds (especially larger ones) can cause an opening for fungus and insects to harbor in the tree regardless of season or location. Also as mafle stated make sure the pruning utensil is sterilized properly. Rubbing down the knife/cutter with alcohol prior to making the cut should work fine (for the same reason a doctor would sterilize a tool between patients). If you would be interested you might want to look into how to do an air-layering as well. You could end up with an extra tree. Its fairly easy for beginners to accomplish and no specialized tools are involved( If you were to do so you would do it in the spring after the tree grows in its new leaves). If worse comes to worse and it doesn't work out and the branch does not root no big deal, you were going to remove the limb anyways. This is of coarse assuming the limb isn't massive. Just a thought. -Mike...See MorePruning (trimming) a Japanese Maple
Comments (1)I think good responses will be dependent upon some good pictures - otherwise they will be guessing/assuming Marshall...See MoreNeed help with some Japanese Maples
Comments (7)You are right, there should have been two pictures. First, here is a photo of the entire tree related to the picture I posted above: Here's a closer look: Next, here is the little tree that I described above, but the photo didn't show. I'm wondering what I should do with the shoots here: I actually have another question about a third tree in my backyard - Here's a picture of it: Im finding all these little things coming up within a four foot radius of that tree. I wonder if they are offshoots of that tree and whether I should pull them. (sorry for the sideways picture) Thanks!...See MoreAndy F
6 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years agoAndy F
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
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