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All About Pruning Japanese Maples: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Prune Japanese Maples?
Japanese maples are prized for their beauty and elegance, but to maintain their health and aesthetic appeal, regular pruning is essential. Pruning removes dead, dying, or broken branches, promotes healthy growth, and allows you to shape the tree to your desired form.
When to Prune Japanese Maples
The ideal time to prune Japanese maples is during their dormant period, typically between the first frost and late winter. However, they can tolerate pruning throughout the year if necessary. It’s recommended to prune as part of an annual health inspection during winter dormancy and assess the tree again after it leafs out to check for any dissimilar leaves or undesirable growth.
Tips for Pruning Japanese Maples
Tools and Preparation:
- Always clean your pruning tools with a solution of 90% alcohol or bleach and water to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Choose the appropriate tool for the job: hand pruners for branches up to 1/4 inch in diameter, loppers for branches up to 2 inches, and a pruning saw for larger branches.
Pruning Techniques:
- Remove any lower branches that appear dissimilar or have leaves that differ from the rest of the tree.
- Eliminate broken, dying, or dead branches (BDD).
- Stake young trees to encourage upright growth.
- Prune away no more than 1/3 of living tree material per year.
- Make pruning cuts as close as possible to the branch collar without damaging it.
Special Considerations:
- If your tree is grafted onto rootstock, remove any suckers that may emerge from the rootstock.
- Prune weeping Japanese maples to achieve an umbrella-like form by cutting above a line across the trunk and removing dissimilar leaves on lower branches.
- For upright Japanese maples, decide whether you want a single leader or multiple stems. Remove extra branches to establish the desired form and allow leaders to develop height and lateral branches.
Pruning Upright vs. Weeping Japanese Maples
Upright Japanese Maples:
- Remove dissimilar leaves and branches along the trunk, especially those growing from the grafting stock.
- Decide on a single leader or multiple stems and remove any extra branches accordingly.
- Continue to prune yearly, allowing leaders to grow and develop lateral branches.
Weeping Japanese Maples:
- Cut above a line across the trunk to create an umbrella-like shape.
- Remove dissimilar leaves on lower branches.
- Repeat this process annually until maturity, then prune as needed to maintain the傘形.
- Stake young weeping trees to achieve an upright habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut the lower branches of a Japanese maple?
- Cut lower branches if they have dissimilar leaves or if the tree is grafted onto rootstock and suckers are present.
Can you prune Japanese maple in fall?
- Yes, you can prune Japanese maples in late fall, early winter, or late winter, but it’s best to prune when the tree is dormant.
How do you prune and shape a Japanese maple tree?
- The pruning and shaping technique depends on the tree’s growth habit (weeping or upright). Weeping trees require training to achieve an umbrella-like form, while upright trees can be pruned to have a single leader or multiple stems.
Additional Tips:
- Never prune more than 1/3 of the living tree material at a time.
- Avoid leaving two leaders on an upright tree, as this can lead to splitting.
- Protect pruning wounds with a sealant to prevent disease.
- Japanese maples generally tolerate pruning well, so don’t be afraid to make necessary cuts.
