How do I treat shallow roots on my Japanese Maple tree? If we are patient, I am. Thank you. ", I will be back, and I will recommend you to others. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. For especially thick or hard-to-reach branches, you can also use pruning saws or long-reach pruners. My husband has trimmed it to a, "We have just had a Bloodgood Japanese Maple planted in our front yard and I think it could use some structural. "I just purchased a home with a beautiful tree next to the driveway. How do you prune a weeping Japanese maple? "What I knew about Japanese maples prior to reading this article could fit in a thimble. The trick to pruning this type of Japanese maple is to allow its top layer to form a sort of canopy over the entire tree. You can buy cut paste from many garden centers or plant nurseries. Thank you. I have no leaves yet the middle of the tree is very dark and the end has a lot of branches which have a very light brown color. The third step is to separate the tree into layers. Pruning the upright Japanese maple involves four main steps. As the tree continues to grow, you can remove branches that are the lowest. Especially important is to make a plan before chopping, branches, "I was told by so many friends, "don't trim the tree, you'll kill it". If heavy sap flow occurs, pruning should be delayed until it stops or … Pruning Japanese maples is rarely necessary in mature trees, if they have been trained when young. You can also remove any branches that curve at awkward angles to improve the tree's cosmetic look. Make slow, careful cuts as you assess your progress. Pruning Japanese maples is rarely necessary in mature trees, if … Japanese maples can stand a lot of pruning, so don’t be afraid to cut your tree back pretty severely. Now I know when to prune my Japanese maple. Your suggestions what, "Yes, it helped. "My tree is about five years old and doing great. Your site gave me all the info I needed to make my new tree beautiful without killing it. Thanks. "The text was very clear. However, one side is longer and beginning to rest on the ground. This article was co-authored by Monique Capanelli. ", visualize the tree branch angle. Is this normal? ", I needed to trim them. Try to visualize how the tree will look with each branch removed, and keep the one that you think would look best. These trees often have low-spreading canopies that arch out attractively, or may also be tall, angular trees with willowy limbs. "Have a couple of Japanese maples, and I needed to learn how to prune them. References My lace leaf maple is dragging on the ground. Try to keep the tree's original shape as you prune. Duston has since kept it tightly trimmed, allowing it to get full in the center. The main difference is that you should prune these trees in the summer rather than winter so that they don't lose as much sap. It has been neglected for years by previous, "I have a beautiful Acer in my garden, but realize that I have planted it in the wrong place. The ultimate goal is to make the tree look like an open umbrella. For older trees, you should mainly trim them to remove dead, weak, or crossing branches. The section that addressed the limbs overlapping each other, the dead limbs, "We have a maple tree which is living in clay soil. Thanks! Thank you! Trim A Japanese Maple. Should be an interesting project to make it look graceful. What do I do if my Japanese maple gets too tall? [2] X Expert Source Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Expert Interview. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. I thought the tree had died. Avoid removing more than 1/3 of the tree’s foliage, which could make it prone to disease. Step 1 Examine the overall appearance of the Japanese maple tree. Put on sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun's UV rays. Needless to say, it is not doing well. Now that I've used your site, "My sister has a Japanese maple tree, but it looks very sick, with dry branches at the top and a few branches. Some Japanese maples may only grow 6 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2 m.), but others will achieve 40 feet (12 m.) or more. Light pruning can be done at any point in the year except spring. "We have a beautiful, albeit overgrown, Japanese maple outside our kitchen window. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Sign up for our newsletter. This will guarantee a healthy beautiful tree that will grow strong and add years of beauty to your home landscape. It can be done anytime except spring when the tree is coming awake. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. How do I tell the difference between Japanese Maples? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. I'm pretty confident I can accomplish the tasks. Thank you, you're awesome! To prune a Japanese Maple, wait until it's at least 15 years old so you're not interfering with its natural shape. Japanese maples are low-maintenance trees with beautiful red foliage. Japanese maple care and pruning needs are minimal, which makes the tree an excellent choice for most garden needs. Outdoors, you can trim the lower branches and shape the crown to tailor the appearance of the tree as it grows. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. ", owners, so this article gave me confidence to try and make it thrive. How to Trim a Japanese Maple Tree By ... All you need is one afternoon weekend, use of correct pruning tools and techniques to accomplish pruning a Japanese maple tree. ", and nipping the buds were both very helpful. There are few rules on how to prune a Japanese maple. Monique CapanelliPlant Specialist You can also get a bonsai or dwarf maple variety if you want a truly miniature tree. ", out that it is possible to move it to a better position. The third step is to separate the tree … I have an old tree at my house that I don't think has ever been really, "This is my first time to have Japanese maple trees but I have always wanted some. You can purchase pruning tools at most garden centers or plant nurseries. Thank you. The time has come, but we were unsure of when and how. Young trees need to have the lowest limbs removed to enhance clearance. Plant Specialist. Step back from the tree several times as you prune the tree. ", cannot be put back and will not grow as previously. ", one side. For tips from our Horticulture reviewer on how to prune the complex branches of a Laceleaf Maple, read on! 22 September 2020. Pruning the upright Japanese maple involves four main steps. Unless your maple tree is young, you will need to hire a landscaper. Japanese maples are spectacular landscape tree specimens that offer year-round color and interest. Don’t be afraid to trim your overgrown Japanese Maple way back!! Great step by step instructions with pictures. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. We planted our Japanese Maple and was told not to prune it until it had established, "I learned the season to prune the tree. ", confident we will have a beautiful tree.". Japanese maples are deciduous trees that are used as ornamental shade specimens. Both the verbiage and, "This article was very helpful. This article was co-authored by Monique Capanelli. What time of year should you prune Japanese maple? This article has been viewed 621,549 times. % of people told us that this article helped them. Thanks for an informative write up. WHEN TO TRIM YOUR JAPANESE LACELEAF MAPLE TREE. Fall and winter are a common time to prune and shape most deciduous trees and shrubs, but not the Japanese Laceleaf! Yes. To prevent your tree from getting too big, prune it every 2 years or so to keep it in the desired size range. The general rule of thumb, even on neglected older trees, is to remove no more than 30 percent of the plant in any year. This article received 62 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Place the cut back to the point of healthy wood or to the parent branch just outside of the swollen branch collar. ", after reading "How to Prune Chinese Maple Trees". ", hanging low. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. I feel ready to proceed. Although you can prune your tree almost any time of the year, the best time to prune is during the last frost of the year. Dead wood often appears at the bottom and inside of the tree, where the old growth becomes too shaded by the outer branches to thrive. Whichever type of Japanese maple you have, light trimming under the branches for access is recommended since the branches droop as the plant matures, and weighty limbs can grow too low and even put stress on the rest of the tree. Japanese maple trees are popular indoor and outdoor plants. Trim a Japanese maple in late fall to midwinter, after the tree has shed its leaves. The information was clear and will certainly help me to make good decisions about, "I loved the step by step instructions with pictures! The species’ tendency to lose sap from wounds makes gardeners question the wisdom of pruning maple trees. Trim a Japanese maple lightly on an annual basis. Expert Interview. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. For tips from our Horticulture reviewer on how to prune the complex branches of a Laceleaf Maple, read on! Thank you! Use your best judgment about your tree's health. ", illustrations were straightforward. Expert Source Maple leaf buds are small and red, and they jut out from the tree branches. When maples are pruned in late winter or early spring the wounds can be more damaging. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. In the winter, when the tree is dormant, trim off any dead inner branches. You remove branches that are too close or rubbing together. With a pair of shears and the right technique, you can cut back excessive growth and give your tree a harmonious shape! ", help. Spring as a whole is the least-preferred time to prune your tree, but you can prune it safely so long as the leaves are finished growing in. Approved. Some Japanese maples may only grow 6 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2 m.), but others will achieve 40 feet (12 m.) or more. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can also protect your skin from scratches. Try pruning your maple about twice a year—once in winter and once in summer, preferably. For me, the visual step-by-step pictures were most helpful. This gave me both pictures and, "Knowing how to choose the branches to cut and how much to take out was the most help. With younger trees, cut off branches to shape the tree. Overlapping branches can rub against each other, which chips their bark and leaves them prone to diseases or pests. The, "Very helpful, especially the sources and citations. Had I not checked I'm sure I would, "I really understood the proper way to cut the branches with the drawings. Can I prune the part on the ground without damaging the tree? 22 September 2020. We tried, with the help of the nurseryman, to pick the best tree, but there are a couple of branches overlapping, and it looks crowded. If it seems severely ill or weak, nurture the plant to better health before pruning. Just take care not to remove more than half of the tree’s total mass. I have begun to learn how to proceed next year to help it be the best tree it can be. TIP: Our expert gardening advisor, Kathy Bosin adds, "Never remove a limb that is greater than half the diameter of the tree's trunk. To keep the form of a weeping Japanese maple tree, you should remove any branches that cross the midline of the tree. Will roots of a Japanese maple cause foundation damage? How do I save my dying Japanese maple tree? She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. Remove some of the outer branches if you don’t want the canopy to be as wide. I recommend you prune your Japanese maple in winter during the last frost of the season. Hope with some pruning, we can make it better. Learn how to prune a Japanese maple to enhance the attractive form of this beautiful tree. They were very helpful to actually, "I was just gifted a lace-leafed Japanese maple, about 6 feet tall. Maple trees are known for their brilliant fall color as well as the ease with which they “bleed” sap. It was good to find, "Comprehensive article. If you have an upright Japanese maple, then you know that its branches only grow upright, like in the case of most other trees. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Then, trim down any branches that jut out from the tree to maintain the tree’s shape and give new branches room to grow. Make sure they are clean by wiping the blades with a light bleach and water solution to prevent spreading diseases that might have been acquired from other plants. As a maple tree, the Japanese Laceleaf will bleed or ooze sap. The problem was the limbs were hanging too low. Late winter or early spring is when to prune a Japanese maple. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 621,549 times. Remove any limbs that are rubbing against each other or are too close. 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There are 30 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It had never been shaped and was growth heavy on, "I have 9 Japanese maples to shape and prune. "boxy" shape and foliage is thick, providing perfect protection to several kinds of birds. Prune your Japanese maple in winter, if possible. The tree in the backyard that blazes with red, orange and yellow foliage in autumn is most likely a maple. Thanks! I will wait til this winter and prune and shape my two year old trees. Pruning can take up to several hours. Japanese maples can handle anything from a light trim to more extensive pruning, depending on the time of year and the tree's health. You can root a Japanese maple but it is something that should be done only in soil. Because bonsai Japanese maples are small, you can pinch away leaves instead of pruning without damaging the tree. Step back frequently when Japanese maple trimming. Next, prune off dead wood — that is, any dead twigs or brittle branches that no longer grow foliage. ", have lopped off my Japanese Maple and kept pruning until I was satisfied and killed my tree! Yes, you can. Photo taken September 4, 2015. Japanese maples are spectacular landscape tree specimens that offer year-round color and interest. Our confidence in successfully tackling the process of shaping and caring for our 3 year old, never before pruned centerpiece is quite high. I'll let you know how it comes out. The spring is when the maple has the most sap. Any tree trimming requires sharp, clean tools. Next, prune off dead wood — that is, any dead twigs or brittle branches that no longer grow foliage. Thank you! Can you prune a Japanese maple to keep it small? Thank you! ", where to start. Grown inside, the tree grows into a thick shrub with numerous branches. This article was VERY helpful. Begin training the tree when it is two or three years old. New to landscaping/gardening, I now have more confidence that, "Very clear instructions for pruning an acer. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", illustrations were perfect, conveying just what is pertinent. It covers all important points and the few tips at the end were helpful, too. Thank you. ", with plenty of USABLE information - especially regarding the best time to prune. Thank you. ", I can correctly prune a Japanese maple tree with ease! 22 September 2020. Cut back more if you see the need. ", Now I know when/how to prune it. Take a look at the tree now… New: Video Reveals a Simple Way to Root Plants from Cuttings (Watch Now!) In 30 years of working with landscaping, I have never seen any foundation damage, lifting of sidewalks or any aggressive root behavior from Japanese maples. This article has been viewed 621,549 times. Remove branches that intrude into the layers above and below them. "I have a Japanese maple tree near the patio in the back of my condo. Thank you for help. The clear direction and drawings are very helpful, and now I know, "Pruning of a maple tree - just moved and have a medium-sized tree which I would like to cut underneath boughs to, "Very simple and clear with the pictures. You will be able to spot overgrown areas better from a distance. You can go to your local gardening store to purchase one, and the associates should be able to help you pick out the best tree for your pot size. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. By using our site, you agree to our. Remove no more than 30 percent of the tree’s limbs at any one time. Cut away any dead branches and any limbs that have gotten too long or disrupt the overall appearance of the tree. Removing too much foliage can make the tree vulnerable to sun scald. The first is to prune off lower limbs that crowd other low-growing shrubs or possibly impede a walkway. No. "Narrative description with clear illustrations of branch with shears in the position of a cut was very informative. Wait until your weeping maple has had a few years to grow. The best time to prune bonsai Japanese maples is winter, its dormant season. How do I even out the branches on my Japanese maple tree? Absolutely. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Good article. Do not transplant trees with a trunk diameter larger than 2 inches (5.1 cm) by yourself. [1] ", to do will hopefully bring back the maple tree to the original lively leaves. Use sharp pruning shears for smaller branches and twiggy growth, and a small, sharp hand saw for larger branches. Sharp blades create smooth cuts that heal better and cause fewer traumas to the tree. ", Inclusion of what to do and what not to do is also very informative. The answer not to trim down to make a smaller tree was very helpful as I probably would have topped it off. Inner branches tend to die off because they are covered by the outer branches, meaning they don’t get enough sunlight. I'll get organic soil and mulch and pray the tree will survive. I'm feeling 100% more confident. Use a sharpener during the pruning process to keep the edge on any pruning tools. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Thanks for saving my tree! Step back as far as you can that would allow you to see the entire tree form. Pruning Japanese maples is a low maintenance chore if done annually. ", when, where, and which trees to prune at any gven time. X Cut away any outer branches that cross over each other, since these will block light to the center of the tree and make it harder to see the trunk. But ideally, it is done during the dormant stages of late fall or midwinter. Pruning the maple several times a year is a great way to keep the maple in good health and looking elegant. In this case, it was easy to decide which branch to cut. If you’re pruning a diseased tree, sanitize your cutting tools so you don’t spread the contamination. Almost 18 months later and the tree looks beautiful! Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. If a branch is hanging too low (on the ground), prune it back to an acceptable location. Last Updated: October 22, 2020 ", I'm afraid to prune it since it is doing so well. Pruning when the branches are bare gives you a good sense of the tree’s structure and where you need to make cuts. This will allow you to see the whole tree and plan the next cut to preserve and enhance the natural shape of the plant. For the most part, pruning Japanese maples is confined to removing dead wood and fine stems, which obstruct the handsome skeleton of the tree. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. The graceful skeleton of the tree is accented by light trimming over the first few years of the tree’s life. Now I have two and it looks like, "I just moved to a home that has a Japanese maple tree, but I've never had one before. ", step-by-step guidance. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Avoid pruning the tree in weather hotter than 80 °F (27 °C), especially if the tree is located in full sun. Prune out small twigs and branches on the interior of the tree. I have been looking for pruning information on quite a few, "I need to prune several maples. It almost looks healthier than before. Your tree will look best and stay healthiest if you follow its natural pattern. Deadwood branches are leafless in warm seasons and, throughout the year, grey with a brittle texture. ", second set has sprouted. Choose pruning shears for smaller branches and loppers for larger ones. Expert Interview. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid2334080-v4-728px-Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"