If you prefer an elevated look to your maple (visible trunk with foliage kept to the middle and top), remove lower limbs or suckers growing from the base of the tree. ![]() Using Hand Shears, Trim Limbs at Base of Tree at a 45° Angle Put on some heavy-duty gardening gloves, and rinse tools in cool water before wiping dry with an old (clean) towel or microfiber cloth. Sanitize Pruning Tools & Don Protective GearĬlean any pruning tools you plan to use by sanitizing them in a solution of 90% alcohol or a solution of 9 parts bleach and one part water. It’s likely you’ll only need a pruning saw when making larger structural cuts in winter, so make sure you’re using the right tools for the pruning job. Will you be pruning branches no wider than your pinky finger (hand pruning shears), or will you be pruning branches a little wider (loppers and pruning saws for larger branches)? Determine the Cut Size To Choose the Right Tools Stand back to see if any interior branches are detracting from the natural form and decide which cuts to make. This is important if you are trimming for aesthetic purposes rather than to remove broken, dead, or diseased branches.įind out what Japanese maple variety you have and remember to prune only to accentuate its natural form (vase, oval, pyramid, etc.). Consider Tree’s Natural Shape Before Starting This not only stresses the tree but also encourages unsightly growth in its place. Never remove more than 20% of the crown.Don’t remove more than ¼ of the foliage from one branch.Don’t cut branches that are more than half the diameter of the main stem.Never prune more than 1/3 of living tree material each year.Jackson’s Nurseries shares some of the big no-nos of pruning your Japanese maple tree: Now that you‘re clued up on what to do when pruning, it’s time to look at what you should absolutely avoid. What Not To Do When Pruning a Japanese Maple Branches That Should Always Be RemovedĪ helpful way to remember which branches to remove is to think “DDD” - the dead, the damaged, and the diseased branches.Īn amendment to this rule is if a branch is touching your home, another building, or obstructing a walkway. These should not be removed as pruning these off will only encourage further whippy branches!Īllow young trees to mature before getting the pruning shears out as you want to wait to see the branches widen and become sturdier (this may take 8-10 years depending on the type of Japanese maple tree). While they’re still developing, young Japanese maples can send out whippy side branches. Master gardener and arboretum curator Les Engels advises the use of hand pruning shears for branches up to ¼ inch in diameter, loppers or heavy-duty shears for branches up to 2 inches in diameter, and a pruning saw for those larger than 2 inches.ĭon’t forget to sharpen your tools when necessary as blunt tools are more likely to snap branches! Let Young Trees Mature Before Pruning You should also try to make sure that your cuts are made as close to the collar of the branch as possible as cuts made in the collar itself may not heal.Īnother essential aspect of properly pruning your Japanese maple is to always use the right tools. ![]() Remember that structural, large-scale pruning should always be done during the tree’s dormant months (late November to January) and that any finer pruning and trimming should be left until spring. Should you need to remove a broken branch after a storm or spot a dead branch (lighter gray, budless) or diseased growth on your maple, these sections can be pruned any time of year. ![]() Not only is the tree in its dormant stage, meaning severe cuts will cause less stress, but you can also see the canopy shaping more clearly without the foliage. If you’re planning to make structural cuts (i.e., pruning large branches), then winter is generally the best time to do so. When done right, it can also help direct the structure and overall habit of the tree, helping your Japanese maple sustain its natural form whether it is rounded, weeping, or vase-shaped. ![]() Pruning your tree can also reduce its weight if it is too heavy on the top or one side. Tackling excess growth and removing clutter helps keep the canopy open and airy, preventing the likelihood of disease. Japanese maple trees need pruning not only to maintain their health but also the original aesthetic. Master the art of Japanese maple care with our detailed guide on watering and moisture management. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to tree pruning, don’t sweat it - we’re here to guide you step by step through the pruning process and provide a rundown of the Dos and Don’ts of pruning a Japanese maple, FAQs, and more. Making strategic cuts here and there may seem scary, but once you know how, it quickly becomes a very simple and worthwhile practice. Pruning is a beneficial practice for enhancing the natural beauty and promoting the long-term health of Japanese maple trees.
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