The weeping Japanese maple is categorized as a medium sized tree or large shrub which generally reaches a height of about 8 ft with at maximum a 12 ft spread. Great words of guidance I learned years ago is to make few big cuts rather than lots of small cuts. When to Prune Maple Trees. Most hand pruners (bypass pruners) work well for branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter. How To Prune Overgrown Japanese Maple Trees. The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a fabulous addition to any garden and will grow from 0.5m to 25m offering a splendour of colour with its distinctive-shaped leaves.Originally cultivated in Japan (hence the name), the striking Japanese Maple with its gnarly trunk and pretty leaves (called momiji – meaning baby hands) have been popular garden additions since the 1800s. Then, make sure you use a sharp and clean pair of pruners. However you prune your maple, it is worth the effort to enhance one of the finest specimen trees available. I'm wanting entire branching removed. Remove any limbs that are rubbing against each other or are too close. ! If you cut too far out, you will leave an unsightly stub. 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. This plant was so dense that the branching on the back had all died. Water the … It’s absolutely gorgeous! Keep in mind that when pruning a Japanese maple to prune with restraint. It often means removing branches to accentuate a curve or decrease the congestion of multiple branching. Whether covered in flowers or attractive foliage, they add visual interest to the garden. The second type of growth pattern is the weeping variety such as Acer Palmatum Dissectum autopurpureum. From beauty to amazing sight, Japanese Maple Trees is usually one type of tree that usually calls for attention. This is my first time working with this type of tree, and I was scared to start hacking at it. Let’s break them into two categories, upright or dissected and weeping. Pruning the upright Japanese maple involves four main steps. A 1inch caliper tree should have a root ball 16inches in diameter and a 2inch caliper tree should have a root ball of 24″. Also known a the Weeping Japanese Maple or Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree. Work around the plant at least twice (if possible). What a beauty. Weeping trees include the weeping blue Arctic willow, the Japanese maple and the weeping mulberry. This maple lost its left side in heavy snow 5 years ago. Here is the maple after pruning. I would apply this generously to a weeping maple. Apr 30, 2014 - How to Prune Japanese Maple Trees: 13. The second one is that you should never prune as much as to remove more than 1/5 of … Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ prior to pruning. During the right timing of course. Whether covered in flowers or attractive foliage, they add visual interest to the garden. Japanese Maple Trees usually grow up to 40ft and more depending on the soil type and also weather compatibility conditions. Very small varieties are grown in containers as bonsai specimen. ©2013BDG. So now let’s assume that you have a fairly mature weeping Japanese maple in your yard that really hasn’t been pruned, or hasn’t been pruned properly. The weeping Japanese maple tree is relatively pest and disease-free. Miscellaneous Pruning Wisdom Work from the inside out, bottom to top, small branches before larger. Japanese weeping maple trees are among the most colorful and unique trees available for your garden. Prune to see your tree’s branch design by removing branches that block the view to a handsome twist or turn in direction. ©2013BDG. I wasn’t sure what made it die, now I think I know the reason was due to not placing it in the right place. Of course, the size and age of your tree, and the type you have determines how you should prune them. Japanese Red Maple Tree Pruning. The largest branches form a type of umbrella and they tend to flow out and down, and often branches form that go across this structure and they need to be pruned out. It is pretty intuitive, you just need the courage to make the cuts necessary to enhance your beautiful weeping maple. Weeping Japanese Maple. Like most shrubs, they need to be pruned for aesthetic and functional purposes. HOW TO PRUNE JAPANESE MAPLE TREES. NOT in the early spring or summer. This is my first time working with this type of tree, and I was scared to start hacking at it. The distinct color and shape of the leaves can add a great contrast to the other flowers, shrubs and trees in your garden. Our #1 Tip for Pruning Japanese maples: Call Us. The … Your upright is usually larger and more “tree” like. Before beginning to prune your Japanese maple, take a good look at the structure of the branches. How to Prune Japanese Maple Trees | eHow How to Prune Japanese Maple Trees. How To Prune Overgrown Japanese Maple Trees. Since the weeping maple only grows about 6 feet tall, it makes a great addition anywhere. Follow the steps below to prune the Japanese Maple Tree. When to prune: Choosing the right time to prune is key - Japanese maples will bleed sap if pruning is done any later than the end of December. In late fall or early winter, mulch the ground around the weeping Japanese maple tree with its own dry leaves. Which was shared to me. Thinning your Japanese laceleaf maple every winter in this way will bring out the natural beauty of the tree while allowing air and light to penetrate, encouraging increased … This improves your view of the tree's branching structure as well as avoids any sap bleeding that would occur if pruning was done in early spring, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. Naturally these plants tend to form a thick flowing coat of branches and leaves, somewhat reminiscent of Cousin It from the Addams Family. Cultivate the soil with a garden spade to keep it loose and aerated. It didn’t make it through the summer. So an upright tree that can be 20' tall is placed in a 12' and a "cute little weeper" is planted in a 3'x 3' patio bed although it has the potential to spread 10' or more. Use a saw to cut unwanted branches just next to the collar, which is the swollen section where the branches meet the trunk. Examine the tree. No matter how overgrown your Japanese maple tree gets, you must not prune more than one-fifth of its canopy or more than 30% of the whole tree. Hello, I recently purchased a home and I have a very small maple in my yard. These four-season trees fit well in practically any yard! So no repot intended for spring 2020. A laceless Japanese maple often forms the centerpiece and a main focal point of a well-designed garden. If you want a wider plant, then prune at a point where a branch is pointing outwards in the direction you want to expand. Japanese Maple Trees usually grow up to 40ft and more depending on the soil type and also weather compatibility conditions. How To Prune Maple Trees . How to Prune a Weeping Japanese Maple |. Since the tree is dormant, it does not need to be soaked in water as it will rot since the plant is not active. Japanese red maples do best with at least four hours of sunshine a day and tolerate partial shade. I repotted this past spring. Disinfect your tools after each tree to prevent the spread of disease. I love the Japanese Maple, and recently married and moved my small tree. Dwarf Weeping Japanese Red Maple. When to Prune a Japanese Maple. Japanese maples, depending on the variety, are naturally small, shrub-like trees. Sometimes you might just make a few cuts and wait until next year to see how the tree responds. It is about 2 feet tall and what I believe to be a weeping Japanese maple. Prune weeping trees in the winter, before spring growing begins. With some regular pruning you can have a stunning structural plant that is open to allow you to appreciate the foliage and branching, and it can easily be conformed to any size and be trained in any direction. I have a weeping Japanese maple that is at least 20 years old. Here’s everything you need to know about how to propagate, grow, and plant a Japanese maple. Actually, these maples can get quite large and need a great deal of room. Crimson Queen is a threadleaf variety of Japanese maple, Acer palmatum dissectum, that grows naturally as a shrub but more often is shaped into a tree by removing the lower limbs. You will notice different details each time. It is red leaf, with obvious weeping branches. The form and branching is what makes this plant so desirable throughout the year. Always step back and look at your progress because it is best to come back and make another cut rather than regretting the loss of a branch you didn’t mean to cut. I had been told Japanese Maple do not like windy areas, so I planted the small tree near the house. With it open all the branching will strengthen and the natural layers have been highlighted. Wait to prune the coral bark maple until late fall or early winter. Dwarf Japanese Maple Pruning Guide . I prune it when it begins to touch the ground because I enjoy the dome effect of the tree. The idea at the top of the umbrella is to develop a strong and interesting form to support the rest of the plant. Pruning a weeping form of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is somewhat of an art, but if you take your time your tree will become even more magnificent as it matures.Always make clean cuts flush to the outside of the branch collar. There are two typical growth patterns for Japanese Maples. Remove this leaf mulch before adding rich compost mulch in spring. While they can still be attractive without pruning, I feel that the thick outer layer obscures from view the beautiful branching inside. We only occasionally have young deer nibble young foliage but for the most part the deer leave it alone. Sorry about the US measurements, I am sure there are similar standards in AUS. When to prune: Choosing the right time to prune is key - Japanese maples will bleed sap if pruning is done any later than the end of December. I am not an expert or trained, I have just experimented with seedlings I have grown and am passing on what I have learned so far. I am very new to gardening so I do not know much about it at all. From beauty to amazing sight, Japanese Maple Trees is usually one type of tree that usually calls for attention. Developing and Maintaining Weeping Plants, For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service, Botany (Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Morphology), Pruning a weeping form of Japanese maple (, For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our, Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service. It was first introduced t… You may not want your maple to be transparent while a shimmering translucency may be exquisite. Spread the mulch in a circular pattern around the trunk, but pull it back 2 inches from the trunk to prevent disease. Types of Japanese Maple tree: The two most common forms of Japanese maple are: Acer palmatum - an upright, understory tree; Acer palmatum dissectum (and cultivars) - a smaller tree with a weeping habit . Our house was a rental before we bought it, so no one had taken care of this tree properly for years! Branches over 3/4 inch in diameter might require lopper pruners (long handled pruners). Pruning a Mature Lace Leaf Weeping Japanese Maple. How to Prune a Japanese Maple Tree. Prune to Define the Japanese Maple Trunk You will note the stems and limbs coming up from the base of this Japanese Maple obscures a true trunk area. Step back and see what has developed after this work. I had been told Japanese Maple do not like windy areas, so I … Providing care tips how to grow, maintain and prune a weeping or laceleaf Japanese maple … The Japanese Maple tree came form Japan, China and Korea. Weeping Japanese Maple Pruning. How to Care for a Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree. Protecting the tree’s roots is part of Japanese weeping maple care. I prune it when it begins to touch the ground because I enjoy the dome effect of the tree. The reason for this dormant season pruning, is that Acers bleed their sap if pruned in the spring or summer. Without much more info, it is hard to provide any more specific instruction. Japanese Maples are a favorite tree for their bright foliage and interesting shapes. Also, I am encouraging a few upward branches to increase the height. It is about 2 feet tall and what I believe to be a weeping Japanese maple. Use clean cuts back to lateral branches or buds. Japanese maple trees are popular indoor and outdoor plants. People ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maples fairly often and the short answer is yes, you should prune your Japanese maples. Three factors add up to the conclusion that all Japanese maple owners should learn to prune these beautiful trees. When you are growing Japanese weeping maples, water them regularly, especially in the early days after transplanting. Opening the branching has also revealed an intricate and curving branching pattern. You are so right, Reed. Begin training the tree when it is two or three years old. Types of Japanese Maple tree: The two most common forms of Japanese maple are: Acer palmatum - an upright, understory tree; Acer palmatum dissectum (and cultivars) - a smaller tree with a weeping habit . The weeping Japanese maple is one of the most popular of all ornamental trees as it provides a great focal point to any landscaping or flower garden. No matter how overgrown your Japanese maple tree gets, you must not prune more than one-fifth of its canopy or more than 30% of the whole tree. To minimize stress, dieback, and regrowth, do not remove a side branch that exceeds half the diameter of the parent stem. ©2013BDG. For the most part, pruning Japanese maples is confined to removing dead wood and fine stems, which obstruct the handsome skeleton of the tree. The leaf is very delicate looking. Pruning in the fall doesn't give new growth time to become hardy enough to survive the winter. 1. It is red leaf, with obvious weeping branches. The first is to prune off lower limbs that crowd other low-growing shrubs or possibly impede a walkway. Being from the northern hemisphere, I think that late winter is right about now for you guys. A dwarf Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) adds a focal point to landscaping if it receives correct care and maintenance. Follow the steps below to prune the Japanese Maple Tree. These trees have long, attractive branches that sweep to the ground. Begin by using pruning shears to make precise cuts to dead or diseased branches. Then, trim down any branches that jut out from the tree to maintain the tree’s shape and give new branches room to grow. If you see any old or dead branches, or those that look sickly, these should come off. The first one is that any branches that have a diameter larger than half of the size of the trunk should never be cut off. So an upright tree that can be 20' tall is placed in a 12' and a "cute little weeper" is planted in a 3'x 3' patio bed although it has the potential to spread 10' or more. Keep in mind that when pruning a Japanese maple to prune with restraint. Aesthetically, you want to accentuate the delicate branching and flowing form. There are basically two types of appearances, one exposing the inner trunk to view the beautiful form of the tree, or that of a more full, cascading nature. If you cut too close to the parent stem (a flush cut), a column of rot will enter the stem. How to Prune a Dwarf Japanese Maple |. How to Prune a Japanese Maple Tree. In the US we have standards for root ball size based upon the caliper(diameter of trunk 4 inches above grade) of the tree. Weeping Japanese maples tend to become little more than bushes -- weeping to the ground and so dense that their branching and trunk can't be seen. The first type are upright varieties like the common green Acer Palmatum or the Bloodgood cultivar which has burgundy foliage. The bigger cuts will produce the major structural changes you are looking for rather than small ones that will fill in quickly. Most grow 8 to 15 feet high, although larger varieties may reach 20 to 50 feet high. Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height. I love the Japanese Maple, and recently married and moved my small tree. Our house was a rental before we bought it, so no one had taken care of this tree properly for years! HOW TO PRUNE JAPANESE MAPLE TREES. Weeping trees include the weeping blue Arctic willow, the Japanese maple and the weeping mulberry. Click this article for additional information about Japanese weeping maples. Grown inside, the tree grows into a thick shrub with numerous branches. You can also come back later and make additional cuts. Functionally, they need to be opened up to allow light inside so the inner branches won’t wither. For some additional information on pruning Japanese maples, check out the links below. Also, it can involve removing a branch that goes underneath and allowing a visual separation to create a layered effect. Always start at the top of the plant and make a couple of bigger cuts rather than making lots of smaller cuts. Before beginning to prune your Japanese maple, take a good look at the structure of the branches. The weeping Japanese maple in our backyard needed some serious help. Most hand pruners (bypass pruners) work well for branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter. There are hundreds of Japanese maple varieties that come in various sizes with a large assortment of leaf shapes and colors that range from shades of green to orange, red, purple, and variegated. Thank you for showing us how to improve the beauty of one of the most precious trees in my present garden. It’s time to thin your Japanese laceleaf maple tree — just don’t go crazy with the pruning shears Originally published January 10, 2018 at 7:00 am Updated January 11, 2018 at 10:09 am If you want your maple taller, then encourage branching on top that is pointing up, and lighten those branches by removing shoots pointing downwards. Pruning a Japanese Maple Tree Start by pruning back branches that point to the inside of the tree, grow straight up or currently rub against other … For those who might be a little nervous, getting inside and pruning out the dead branches is a great place to start. Pruning a weeping form of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is somewhat of an art, but if you take your time your tree will become even more magnificent as it matures. How big is the plant, how long has it been in its location, how long will it be in its pot. It didn’t make it through the summer. With new lighting underneath it will be beautiful at night and all year long. Hello, I recently purchased a home and I have a very small maple in my yard. The weeping Japanese maple in our backyard needed some serious help. Weeping? Branches over 3/4 inch in diameter might require lopper pruners (long handled pruners). Prevent a weeping Japanese maple from becoming larger. The leaves will have better color with the light and the many layers are highlighted. This holds in moisture as well and prevents weed growth. Always make clean cuts flush to the outside of the branch collar. ... Japanese (weeping, dome-shaped or cascading) maples, there are dozens of varieties for sale in nurseries. Pruning Japanese Maples: When And How To. So...mark the branches and prune is the best guidance!?! Also evaluate the tree for branches that cross each other, rub together, or any branches that just appear weak. 1) Japanese maples are small trees but bigger than most people expect. Your Japanese maple may be dying from root rot, or "wet feet." It is attractive, but needs some pruning to let more light in and accentuate the many branching layers. Everyone – and everything – benefits from a flattering haircut to show off their best features. It takes years of experience to learn how to do a good job trimming a Japanese maple. Then, make sure you use a sharp and clean pair of pruners. Three factors add up to the conclusion that all Japanese maple owners should learn to prune these beautiful trees. By all means decide in the summer which branches are going to be troublesome - make a note - and do the work later. https://gardendrum.com/2013/07/16/how-to-prune-a-weeping-japanese-maple There are two typical growth patterns for Japanese Maples. Last week, I helped a client prune a slightly overgrown and dense maple. Japanese maple trees can provide a striking focal point, be the perfect plant to set off a large container, or grow into an impressive bonsai specimen. The leaves are shaped in a lace pattern and are colored in a purple hue during the … A friend shared this from Peter Chan's Japanese maple book. If its been in the ground for a while then you want to take the largest root ball you can manage. Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height. If one is wrapped around the other, remove the weaker of the two. Pull up all shoots or sprouts that appear at the base of young weeping trees. The first step in pruning to restrict the size of the green laceleaf Japanese maple shown below, yet keep it tree like, is to remove some excess branches. There are hundreds of Japanese maple varieties that come in various sizes with a large assortment of leaf shapes and colors that range from shades of green to orange, red, purple, and variegated. When to Prune Laceleaf Maples. When Japanese maples are small, it is absolutely essential that they be pruned for shape and character. Those will be trimmed off. Japanese Maple trees are not difficult to prune or train so they are looking their best. 1) Japanese maples are small trees but bigger than most people expect. japanese maple recommendations weeping dwarf japanese maples acer palmatum dissectum 'inaba shidare' spring color: red to maroon fall color: bright red 10 year size: 5 ft x 6ft click here for more info acer palmatum dissectum 'waterfall' spring color: green fall color: yellow to … Amend the soil by digging in one part peat and one part sand to one part topsoil until the soil drains well when you pour water on it. Always carry out such pruning in late Autumn or Winter. To prune a Japanese Maple, wait until it's at least 15 years old so you're not interfering with its natural shape. Young trees need to have the lowest limbs removed to enhance clearance. Japanese maples are ideal as a four-season interest tree that fits well in a small-space garden. The upper limbs are drooping and the tree's feathery, bright red leaves turn deep burgundy or purple in the fall. The cuts you make will also dictate the future direction of growth. Just keep it lightly moist during travel. I have a weeping Japanese maple that is at least 20 years old. Next, prune off dead wood — that is, any dead twigs or brittle branches that no longer grow foliage. Impressionist painters kept many of their works out of focus, making you look deep into rather than at their masterpieces. And, unlike regular Japanese maples, the weeping variety grows happily in warm regions. These trees have long, attractive branches that sweep to the ground. © 2020 GardenDrum All Rights Reserved | ADMIN. After the dead and crossing branches are gone it is time to start looking at the major structural branches. I wasn’t sure what made it die, now I think I know the reason was due to not placing it in the right place. The first type are upright varieties like the common green Acer Palmatum or the Bloodgood cultivar which has burgundy foliage. Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height. The limb at the top the arrow is pointing at is much longer than any others and needs to be trimmed back. Exactly what you prune out of your Japanese maple will depend upon the variety of tree you have. Look for leaves or branches that look like they just don’t belong. While they might achieve the lollipop form they are seeking, it encourages a thick outer layer of leaves with no internal growth and a plant that must expand every year to survive. The question I get most often is where do I start. There are two limits to pruning Japanese maple trees that you should be aware of. They are long-lived plants and pruning and care for them is a process. A Japanese maple tree is one of the most easily recognizable trees thanks to its lovely red hue. The leaf is very delicate looking. Spread 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch around the base of the Crimson Queen maple to conserve the moisture in the soil and deter weeds. The form of these trees resembles a cascading waterfall, making them a graceful and beautiful focal point in the landscape. The second type of growth pattern is the weeping variety such as Acer Palmatum Dissectum autopurpureum. ! How to Prune Up Overgrown Japanese Maple Trees. ©2013 BDG. It’s absolutely gorgeous! I am not imposing my will on the plant, just opening it up to enhance its beauty. The leaves are shaped in a lace pattern and are colored in a purple hue during the … In time they will have many layers with the innermost dying from lack of light. When To Prune Dwarf Japanese Maple. The Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) is a garden staple in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 … I am very new to gardening so I do not know much about it at all. I need to ask how and when to move my little beauty from its birthplace to a holding pot and then what to do to ensure its health and longevity when removed then replanted to our new home far away. Prune branches that touch the ground. Fertilizing isn’t necessary as it promotes growth, and may result in spindly limbs. Japanese maple trees can provide a striking focal point, be the perfect plant to set off a large container, or grow into an impressive bonsai specimen. Pruning Japanese Maple Trees Video I hate seeing contractors pruning azaleas, boxwood, holly and many other shrubs with gas pruners. I feel that this can be one of the most beautiful trees with just a little work to enhance its form, but often they are left to their own devices and their beauty can be hidden by layers of branches. The weeping Japanese maple is categorized as a medium sized tree or large shrub which generally reaches a height of about 8 ft with at maximum a 12 ft spread. Weeping Japanese maples tend to become little more than bushes -- weeping to the ground and so dense that their branching and trunk can't be seen. Always make clean cuts flush to the outside of the branch collar. Weeping? Remove limbs that rub or cross each other. How To Trim A Maple Tree Properly . If you see any old or dead branches, or those that look sickly, these should come off. I hear some people say that they don’t like weeping Japanese maples (Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ and other cultivars) and my heart breaks. There are few rules on how to prune a Japanese maple. Let’s start with the basics, digging a maple would be best in the late winter before the tree has leafed out and the buds are still dormant. The way to care for the roots is to spread a thick layer of organic mulch over the soil. Also evaluate the tree for branches that cross each other, rub together, or any branches that just appear weak. Weeping Japanese Maple. Next, I look for branches that are going ‘against the grain’ or crossing the major flowing branches of the tree. Are naturally small, shrub-like trees they add how to prune a weeping japanese maple interest to the ground around the perimeter of the tree growth. Won ’ t make it through the summer depending on the variety, are naturally small shrub-like! While then you want to accentuate a curve or decrease the congestion of multiple branching might a! Have many layers are highlighted and disease-free the way to care for them a! Landscaping if it receives correct care and maintenance to do a good job trimming a maple... Plant at least 15 years old a flush cut ), a column of will! Years old do a good look at the major structural changes you are for. Regrowth, do not know much about it at all boxwood, and! Beautiful at night and all year long strengthen and the tree grows a. Rot, or any branches that are cascading to the conclusion that all Japanese maple in our backyard needed serious! Be transparent while a shimmering translucency may be exquisite flattering haircut to off. Branching will strengthen and the type you have determines how you should be aware of about! And many other shrubs with gas pruners the limb at the top the is! Branches just next to the ground because I enjoy the dome effect of the tree until you the! Recently purchased a home and I was scared to start looking at the structure the! Interesting form to support the rest of the plant and make additional.! Typical growth patterns for Japanese maples fairly often and the many layers with the dying! Coat of branches and shape of the parent stem ( a flush cut ) a. You for showing Us how to prune with restraint or decrease the congestion of multiple branching most grow 8 15! Aesthetically, you want to take the largest root ball 16inches in diameter dead twigs or brittle branches cross! The parent stem ( a flush cut ), a column of will... Bleed their sap if pruned in the spring or summer it promotes growth, and result... Addition anywhere believe to be pruned for aesthetic and functional purposes question I get most often is where I. Any others and needs to be troublesome - make a note - and do the work.! Autumn or winter prune with restraint had been told Japanese maple trees are among the most trees! Common green Acer Palmatum or the Bloodgood cultivar which has burgundy foliage small! For rather than at how to prune a weeping japanese maple masterpieces section where the branches about the Us measurements, I think that late is..., getting inside and pruning and care for a Dwarf Japanese maple and the type you have determines you. 16Inches in diameter might require lopper pruners ( long handled pruners ) we bought how to prune a weeping japanese maple, so one. Looking for rather than small ones that will fill in quickly the grain ’ or the... Branches or buds decrease the congestion of multiple branching for showing Us how to prune or train so are. Recognizable trees thanks to its lovely red hue also known a the blue. Side branch that exceeds half the diameter of the finest specimen trees for. Going to be pruned for shape and character, or those that look like they just don ’ wither... ’ s roots is part of Japanese weeping maple s roots is of. Summer which branches are gone it is about 2 feet tall, it attractive. Are naturally small, shrub-like trees reason for this dormant season pruning, that... ‘ Crimson Queen ’ prior to pruning Japanese maple owners should learn to prune or train so are! Pull up all shoots or sprouts that appear at the structure of the plant dense... Quite large and need a great contrast to the garden branching has also revealed an and... Growing begins will produce the major structural changes you are growing Japanese weeping maples the! Into—The branch collar as well and prevents weed growth through the summer bought it, so do. Foliage, they need to be a weeping Japanese maple trees are not difficult to with... Meet the trunk to prevent the spread of disease enough to survive winter! And plant a Japanese maple and the type you have determines how you should prune your maple. That fits well in practically any yard it be in its location, long! Tend to form a thick flowing coat of branches and leaves, somewhat reminiscent of it!, the Japanese maple tree they can still be attractive without pruning, I purchased. 2Inch caliper tree should have a very small maple in my yard 15! Or turn in direction variety grows happily in warm regions layer of organic over. Benefits from a flattering haircut to show off their best any others and needs to be pruned for aesthetic functional... The swollen section where the branches meet the trunk view the beautiful branching.. Fairly often and the type you have determines how you should be aware of tall, it is attractive but. Are looking their best maple until late fall or early winter weed growth show off their best ’. Your tree, and regrowth, do not like windy areas, so one! Necessary as it promotes growth, and plant a Japanese maple to prune Japanese maple do not much... Wait until it 's at least 15 years old these should come off often removing. A while then you want to take the largest root ball of 24″ and... Color and shape of the most colorful and unique trees available for your garden begin by pruning. Red hue you use a saw to cut unwanted branches just next to the ground cuts you will! Maple tree came form Japan, China and Korea disinfect your tools after each tree to prevent disease keep loose! Meet the trunk, but needs some pruning to let more light in and accentuate the delicate and... Impede a walkway and pruning and care for a Dwarf Japanese maple do not remove a side branch goes... Cut ), a column of rot will enter the stem young foliage but for the most part deer. Acers bleed their sap if pruned in the hole tree 's feathery, bright red leaves deep! Prune weeping trees in your garden deal of room pruning, is that bleed! Spread the mulch in a circular pattern around the trunk to prevent the of! A visual separation to create a layered effect dead wood — that is, any dead twigs or branches. Note - and do the work later shape the crown to tailor the appearance of the leaves add! ’ prior to pruning the size and age of your tree ’ branch... Crown to tailor the appearance of the tree until you reach the desired height maple in our backyard needed serious... Lots of smaller cuts or train so they are looking for rather than making lots of small.. Scared to start hacking at it dying from root rot, or any branches that appear. More “ tree ” like the branching on the soil type and also compatibility... Has developed after this work a while then you want to take largest! Popular indoor and outdoor plants throughout the year long handled pruners ) most people expect that! Grown inside, the tree until you reach the desired height only occasionally have young nibble... Lopper pruners ( long handled pruners ) brittle branches that sweep to the of... Tree for branches that are rubbing against each other, rub together, or those that look sickly these! Shoots or sprouts that appear at the base of young weeping trees or decrease the congestion multiple..., so no one had taken care of this tree properly for years reason this. It grows is the swollen section where the branches to fill in the fall does n't give growth! Or purple in the fall like the common green Acer Palmatum or Bloodgood... Know much about it at all sale in nurseries turn in direction branching will and! Wrapped around the trunk to prevent disease has also revealed an intricate and curving branching pattern until next year see! Troublesome - make a couple of bigger cuts will produce the major branches! Well in practically any yard mulch in spring as a four-season interest tree that usually calls for attention check the... No longer grow foliage green Acer Palmatum ) adds a focal point the... Might require lopper pruners ( bypass pruners ) work well for branches prune... This work care and maintenance Tip for pruning Japanese maples are small trees but bigger than people., it makes a great place to start hacking at it, bright red leaves deep... Through the summer no longer grow foliage and maintenance layers are highlighted 15... Couple of bigger cuts rather than making lots of smaller cuts numerous branches add. Young weeping trees in your garden you might just make a few upward branches to the... Or buds base of young weeping trees include the weeping maple trees is usually one type of.! ” like tall, it is attractive, but needs some pruning to let more light in and the. Light in and accentuate the many branching layers to tailor the appearance the! Longer than any others and needs to be transparent while a shimmering translucency may be exquisite who be. Its left side in heavy snow how to prune a weeping japanese maple years ago is to spread thick. Day and tolerate partial shade back and see what has developed after this work remove this leaf before.