Pruning recommendation for Japanese maple trees
jacquet9
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
Christopher CNC
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Japanese Maple Pruning Advice....All advice would be appreciated
Comments (4)Thanks for that Jalcon Have seen this post before I think with a lot of these Situations the Choice of to Prune or not to Prune is in the hands of the Tree owner whether Purist ~ None Purist or Experimentalist I myself with this Tree have decided to remove the bottom 2 Branches before the Tree becomes too Branch Wound Envisaging what the Tree would look like with just a single Curved Trunk I would consider this the best Option,(In My Opinion as a Comparitive Beginner to many on the Gardenweb) Best wishes Stephen,Cheshire,UK...See MoreHighly neglected (but healthy) Japanese Maple. Pruning advice?
Comments (7)Hello all, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I too would prefer to leave the tree alone if possible. The only reason I thought it needed some heavier pruning was because I thought that a 50/50-ish "V" split at the base weakened the tree. For this reason, I felt it might have been a good idea to prune the right side canopy this year to slow its growth and eliminate it completely next year. But if the overall sentiment is that the tree is healthy and the large split at the base won't weaken it, then I am relieved to know I can leave it alone. With regards to shape: I am ok with its current shape. The tree does look like it was trying to escape from the shady spot, and from some angles it's easy to see it was growing in a specific direction... Also, after transplanting it to its new spot, the canopy does brush against the deck (more than brush, I'd say some of the branches can easily go a couple of feet past the railing in some spots), but if that can be left alone, I will. Thank you for the heads up about the cut paste. I already ordered it, but I will refrain from using it. PS= if anyone has any advice on the best way to propagate some of the cuts from this tree, it would be great. Is there a branch diameter after which propagation becomes impossible? I understand smaller, younger cuts are easier to propagate, but some of the larger pieces I cut (see pic) are about 2cm in diameter at the base, and I would love to propagate them as well if there's a way....See MorePruning the slingshot off 2year? grafted japanese maple
Comments (1)If it was me I'[d leave it- every leaf is a little energy factory and I hate to give them up on a young tree. If you are interested in bonsai then of course consult that forum, but for the health of the little tree I would wait before removing such a large portion of it....See MorePruning 1st year Japanese Maple seedlings
Comments (1)Do not cut the tops if you want the trees to get taller... that would create squat trees with little upper growth but more side branching habits. I would, in your shoes let them grow on, but look at th eventual shape of each one, as an individual, not part of a group.... You may want to think about different clipping techniques, such as Bonsai, Niwaki or plain trimmed canopy.... Look at each specimen, and decide what style you consider appropriate for IT. Then trim shoots or small branches accordingly, but I think you need to be patient, and let them grow on for a couple of years before making THAT decision. Unless you're a speciaist grower, with appropriate conditions, I would not try or attempt different growing conditions to 'accelerate' growth'. Done badly, that just leads to weak plants that in the end, will struggle once they are exposed to normalised conditions. This is why so many people buying plants from standard retailers (as opposed to nursery/garden specialist outlets) complain their plants struggle once exposed to natural conditions; because the plants have been grown, cultivated and prepared for aesthetic looks and desirable instant beauty. Not long-term durability and hardiness.......See Morejacquet9
2 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years agosocks
2 years agoL Clark (zone 4 WY)
2 years agokrnuttle
2 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGGreat Design Tree: Japanese Maple
Lacy form and fiery fall color make Japanese maple a welcome tree for garden or patio
Full StoryTREES11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form
With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden
The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES13 Japanese Maples for Shade
A surprising variety of these understory trees is waiting to make a statement in your shade garden
Full StoryTREESGreat Design Plant: Coral Bark Japanese Maple, a Winter Standout
Go for garden gusto during the chilly season with the fiery red stems of this unusual Japanese maple
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them
Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Tree: Australian Tea Tree
A living sculpture with an unmistakable appearance, this coastal native creates an intriguing landscape scene
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES5 Best-Behaved Trees to Grace a Patio
Big enough for shade but small enough for easy care, these amiable trees mind their manners in a modest outdoor space
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN8 Trees Landscape Designers Love for Small Spaces
Learn more about the top-performing trees to grow in tight corners, city courtyards, narrow side yards and more
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNPretty Trees for Patios, Paths and Other Tight Spots
Choose trees for their size, shape and rate of growth — or shape them to fit your space. Here's how to get started
Full Story
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5