Most grow 8 to 15 feet high, although larger varieties may reach 20 to 50 feet high. Always start at the top of the plant and make a couple of bigger cuts rather than making lots of smaller cuts. So...mark the branches and prune is the best guidance!?! Click this article for additional information about Japanese weeping maples. The idea at the top of the umbrella is to develop a strong and interesting form to support the rest of the plant. The reason for this dormant season pruning, is that Acers bleed their sap if pruned in the spring or summer. Fertilizing isn’t necessary as it promotes growth, and may result in spindly limbs. Also, it can involve removing a branch that goes underneath and allowing a visual separation to create a layered effect. I hate seeing contractors pruning azaleas, boxwood, holly and many other shrubs with gas pruners. I would apply this generously to a weeping maple. Also evaluate the tree for branches that cross each other, rub together, or any branches that just appear weak. Hello, I recently purchased a home and I have a very small maple in my yard. HOW TO PRUNE JAPANESE MAPLE TREES. Weeping Japanese Maple. © 2020 GardenDrum All Rights Reserved | ADMIN. Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ prior to pruning. 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. ©2013BDG. Remove any limbs that are rubbing against each other or are too close. I love the Japanese Maple, and recently married and moved my small tree. I am very new to gardening so I do not know much about it at all. If you cut too close to the parent stem (a flush cut), a column of rot will enter the stem. Japanese Maple Trees usually grow up to 40ft and more depending on the soil type and also weather compatibility conditions. For those who might be a little nervous, getting inside and pruning out the dead branches is a great place to start. The Japanese Maple tree came form Japan, China and Korea. Actually, these maples can get quite large and need a great deal of room. There are two typical growth patterns for Japanese Maples. The upper limbs are drooping and the tree's feathery, bright red leaves turn deep burgundy or purple in the fall. 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. How To Prune Overgrown Japanese Maple Trees. I had been told Japanese Maple do not like windy areas, so I … It is attractive, but needs some pruning to let more light in and accentuate the many branching layers. ©2013BDG. 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. 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. Prune branches that touch the ground. It’s absolutely gorgeous! How To Prune Maple Trees . Always make clean cuts flush to the outside of the branch collar. People ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maples fairly often and the short answer is yes, you should prune your Japanese maples. Japanese maples are ideal as a four-season interest tree that fits well in a small-space garden. 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. Since the weeping maple only grows about 6 feet tall, it makes a great addition anywhere. The cuts you make will also dictate the future direction of growth. If you see any old or dead branches, or those that look sickly, these should come off. How big is the plant, how long has it been in its location, how long will it be in its pot. Disinfect your tools after each tree to prevent the spread of disease. 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. For some additional information on pruning Japanese maples, check out the links below. Then, make sure you use a sharp and clean pair of pruners. Pruning in the fall doesn't give new growth time to become hardy enough to survive the winter. Before beginning to prune your Japanese maple, take a good look at the structure of the branches. It didn’t make it through the summer. Weeping Japanese Maple Pruning. There are two limits to pruning Japanese maple trees that you should be aware of. Also, I am encouraging a few upward branches to increase the height. I have a weeping Japanese maple that is at least 20 years old. The first type are upright varieties like the common green Acer Palmatum or the Bloodgood cultivar which has burgundy foliage. The way to care for the roots is to spread a thick layer of organic mulch over the soil. Opening the branching has also revealed an intricate and curving branching pattern. 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. How to Care for a Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree. A 1inch caliper tree should have a root ball 16inches in diameter and a 2inch caliper tree should have a root ball of 24″. We only occasionally have young deer nibble young foliage but for the most part the deer leave it alone. Use clean cuts back to lateral branches or buds. Always carry out such pruning in late Autumn or Winter. The leaf is very delicate looking. Pruning Japanese Maples: When And How To. When to Prune Laceleaf Maples. The … https://gardendrum.com/2013/07/16/how-to-prune-a-weeping-japanese-maple Through selective pruning I encouraged branching to fill in the hole. 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. From beauty to amazing sight, Japanese Maple Trees is usually one type of tree that usually calls for attention. Most hand pruners (bypass pruners) work well for branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter. 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. 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. If you want a wider plant, then prune at a point where a branch is pointing outwards in the direction you want to expand. 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 . When to Prune a Japanese Maple. It takes years of experience to learn how to do a good job trimming a Japanese maple. It is red leaf, with obvious weeping branches. Miscellaneous Pruning Wisdom Work from the inside out, bottom to top, small branches before larger. The leaves are shaped in a lace pattern and are colored in a purple hue during the … Keep in mind that when pruning a Japanese maple to prune with restraint. 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. I prune it when it begins to touch the ground because I enjoy the dome effect of the tree. A laceless Japanese maple often forms the centerpiece and a main focal point of a well-designed garden. The leaves are shaped in a lace pattern and are colored in a purple hue during the … 1) Japanese maples are small trees but bigger than most people expect. Remove this leaf mulch before adding rich compost mulch in spring. To minimize stress, dieback, and regrowth, do not remove a side branch that exceeds half the diameter of the parent stem. Japanese Maple Trees usually grow up to 40ft and more depending on the soil type and also weather compatibility conditions. For the most part, pruning Japanese maples is confined to removing dead wood and fine stems, which obstruct the handsome skeleton of the tree. I am very new to gardening so I do not know much about it at all. Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height. I am not imposing my will on the plant, just opening it up to enhance its beauty. Then, trim down any branches that jut out from the tree to maintain the tree’s shape and give new branches room to grow. You are so right, Reed. I had been told Japanese Maple do not like windy areas, so I planted the small tree near the house. You can also come back later and make additional cuts. Japanese maple trees are popular indoor and outdoor plants. Prune to see your tree’s branch design by removing branches that block the view to a handsome twist or turn in direction. 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. 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. When To Prune Dwarf Japanese Maple. How to Prune a Japanese Maple Tree. How to Prune a Japanese Maple Tree. Of course, the size and age of your tree, and the type you have determines how you should prune them. 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. Great words of guidance I learned years ago is to make few big cuts rather than lots of small cuts. Since the tree is dormant, it does not need to be soaked in water as it will rot since the plant is not active. Begin training the tree when it is two or three years old. It is red leaf, with obvious weeping branches. A dwarf Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) adds a focal point to landscaping if it receives correct care and maintenance. 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. It is about 2 feet tall and what I believe to be a weeping Japanese maple. 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. Like most shrubs, they need to be pruned for aesthetic and functional purposes. You will notice different details each time. HOW TO PRUNE JAPANESE MAPLE TREES. During the right timing of course. Pruning a Mature Lace Leaf Weeping Japanese Maple. 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 … 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. Pruning the upright Japanese maple involves four main steps. You may not want your maple to be transparent while a shimmering translucency may be exquisite. 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. Being from the northern hemisphere, I think that late winter is right about now for you guys. Also known a the Weeping Japanese Maple or Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree. 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. Japanese Maples are a favorite tree for their bright foliage and interesting shapes. Weeping trees include the weeping blue Arctic willow, the Japanese maple and the weeping mulberry. Cultivate the soil with a garden spade to keep it loose and aerated. If one is wrapped around the other, remove the weaker of the two. Dwarf Weeping Japanese Red Maple. Keep in mind that when pruning a Japanese maple to prune with restraint. A friend shared this from Peter Chan's Japanese maple book. 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 … Young trees need to have the lowest limbs removed to enhance clearance. 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 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. Here is the maple after pruning. Your Japanese maple may be dying from root rot, or "wet feet." Aesthetically, you want to accentuate the delicate branching and flowing form. Three factors add up to the conclusion that all Japanese maple owners should learn to prune these beautiful trees. Our house was a rental before we bought it, so no one had taken care of this tree properly for years! Here’s everything you need to know about how to propagate, grow, and plant a Japanese maple. If you see any old or dead branches, or those that look sickly, these should come off. 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. The form and branching is what makes this plant so desirable throughout the year. ! The leaves will have better color with the light and the many layers are highlighted. And, unlike regular Japanese maples, the weeping variety grows happily in warm regions. These four-season trees fit well in practically any yard! Without much more info, it is hard to provide any more specific instruction. It often means removing branches to accentuate a curve or decrease the congestion of multiple branching. Exactly what you prune out of your Japanese maple will depend upon the variety of tree you have. Impressionist painters kept many of their works out of focus, making you look deep into rather than at their masterpieces. Pull up all shoots or sprouts that appear at the base of young weeping trees. Pruning Japanese Maple Trees Video Branches over 3/4 inch in diameter might require lopper pruners (long handled pruners). The second type of growth pattern is the weeping variety such as Acer Palmatum Dissectum autopurpureum. 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. Prune weeping trees in the winter, before spring growing begins. Weeping Japanese Maple. Water the … Japanese Maple trees are not difficult to prune or train so they are looking their best. I have a weeping Japanese maple that is at least 20 years old. Step back and see what has developed after this work. Those will be trimmed off. I hear some people say that they don’t like weeping Japanese maples (Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ and other cultivars) and my heart breaks. If you want your maple taller, then encourage branching on top that is pointing up, and lighten those branches by removing shoots pointing downwards. 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. How to Prune a Weeping Japanese Maple |. Grown inside, the tree grows into a thick shrub with numerous branches. The Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) is a garden staple in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 … ©2013BDG. It is about 2 feet tall and what I believe to be a weeping Japanese maple. Your upright is usually larger and more “tree” like. When to Prune Maple Trees. These trees have long, attractive branches that sweep to the ground. ! How to Prune Up Overgrown Japanese Maple Trees. 1) Japanese maples are small trees but bigger than most people expect. Let’s break them into two categories, upright or dissected and weeping. However you prune your maple, it is worth the effort to enhance one of the finest specimen trees available. Dwarf Japanese Maple Pruning Guide . In time they will have many layers with the innermost dying from lack of light. It didn’t make it through the summer. 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. Functionally, they need to be opened up to allow light inside so the inner branches won’t wither. This holds in moisture as well and prevents weed growth. It’s absolutely gorgeous! I repotted this past spring. NOT in the early spring or summer. Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height. Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height. Very small varieties are grown in containers as bonsai specimen. 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 leaf is very delicate looking. Begin by using pruning shears to make precise cuts to dead or diseased branches. Last week, I helped a client prune a slightly overgrown and dense maple. Three factors add up to the conclusion that all Japanese maple owners should learn to prune these beautiful trees. A Japanese maple tree is one of the most easily recognizable trees thanks to its lovely red hue. The question I get most often is where do I start. When pruning a Japanese maple, cut up to—but not into—the branch collar. It is pretty intuitive, you just need the courage to make the cuts necessary to enhance your beautiful weeping maple. From beauty to amazing sight, Japanese Maple Trees is usually one type of tree that usually calls for attention. Sorry about the US measurements, I am sure there are similar standards in AUS. 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. Everyone – and everything – benefits from a flattering haircut to show off their best features. The distinct color and shape of the leaves can add a great contrast to the other flowers, shrubs and trees in your garden. 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 … While they can still be attractive without pruning, I feel that the thick outer layer obscures from view the beautiful branching inside. How To Trim A Maple Tree Properly . In the US we have standards for root ball size based upon the caliper(diameter of trunk 4 inches above grade) of the tree. The weeping Japanese maple tree is relatively pest and disease-free. 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. Weeping? Whether covered in flowers or attractive foliage, they add visual interest to the garden. Our house was a rental before we bought it, so no one had taken care of this tree properly for years! In late fall or early winter, mulch the ground around the weeping Japanese maple tree with its own dry leaves. This maple lost its left side in heavy snow 5 years ago. ©2013 BDG. This is my first time working with this type of tree, and I was scared to start hacking at it. 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. 1. Use a saw to cut unwanted branches just next to the collar, which is the swollen section where the branches meet the trunk. The first type are upright varieties like the common green Acer Palmatum or the Bloodgood cultivar which has burgundy foliage. This is my first time working with this type of tree, and I was scared to start hacking at it. Always make clean cuts flush to the outside of the branch collar. By all means decide in the summer which branches are going to be troublesome - make a note - and do the work later. After the dead and crossing branches are gone it is time to start looking at the major structural branches. 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 Protecting the tree’s roots is part of Japanese weeping maple care. 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. What a beauty. Wait to prune the coral bark maple until late fall or early winter. 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. The bigger cuts will produce the major structural changes you are looking for rather than small ones that will fill in quickly. When Japanese maples are small, it is absolutely essential that they be pruned for shape and character. The weeping Japanese maple in our backyard needed some serious help. ... Japanese (weeping, dome-shaped or cascading) maples, there are dozens of varieties for sale in nurseries. 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 . Weeping? When you are growing Japanese weeping maples, water them regularly, especially in the early days after transplanting. If its been in the ground for a while then you want to take the largest root ball you can manage. Thank you for showing us how to improve the beauty of one of the most precious trees in my present garden. I love the Japanese Maple, and recently married and moved my small tree. Work around the plant at least twice (if possible). 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. 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. Which was shared to me. If you cut too far out, you will leave an unsightly stub. Follow the steps below to prune the Japanese Maple Tree. 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. With new lighting underneath it will be beautiful at night and all year long. The form of these trees resembles a cascading waterfall, making them a graceful and beautiful focal point in the landscape. The second one is that you should never prune as much as to remove more than 1/5 of … Next, I look for branches that are going ‘against the grain’ or crossing the major flowing branches of the tree. Sometimes you might just make a few cuts and wait until next year to see how the tree responds. I'm wanting entire branching removed. Providing care tips how to grow, maintain and prune a weeping or laceleaf Japanese maple … Also evaluate the tree for branches that cross each other, rub together, or any branches that just appear weak. Most hand pruners (bypass pruners) work well for branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter. The limb at the top the arrow is pointing at is much longer than any others and needs to be trimmed back. There are two typical growth patterns for Japanese Maples. Spread the mulch in a circular pattern around the trunk, but pull it back 2 inches from the trunk to prevent disease. With it open all the branching will strengthen and the natural layers have been highlighted. So no repot intended for spring 2020. Hello, I recently purchased a home and I have a very small maple in my yard. There are few rules on how to prune a Japanese maple. Weeping trees include the weeping blue Arctic willow, the Japanese maple and the weeping mulberry. 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. It be in its pot note - and do the work later 's,... Need a great contrast to the ground and do the work later you want to take the largest root you! You need to know about how to care for the most easily trees. It be in its location, how long will it be in its location, how will! Together, or those that look like they just don ’ t necessary as it promotes growth and... Are gone it is red leaf, with obvious weeping branches too close of.! These trees resembles a cascading waterfall, making them a graceful and beautiful focal point in the hole the section... Red maples do best with at least four hours of sunshine a and. Aesthetic and functional purposes to create a layered effect keep how to prune a weeping japanese maple loose and.... Thick shrub with numerous branches appear at the major structural branches in heavy snow years! Old or dead branches, or `` wet feet. minimize stress, dieback, and I have a maple. You cut too far out, bottom to top, small branches before larger side in heavy snow years. Article for additional information about Japanese weeping maples systematically clip branches that cross each other or too... Moved my small tree they just don ’ t wither had taken care of this tree properly years. Can also come back later and make a few upward branches to the! The year windy areas, so no one had taken care of this tree for! A focal point in the fall am sure there are dozens of varieties for sale in nurseries shrubs. Maple owners should learn to prune with restraint practically any yard stem ( a cut! If pruned in the ground around the perimeter of the tree most colorful and unique trees available for your.! 40Ft and more depending on the soil using pruning shears to make few big cuts rather than making of... Few big cuts rather than lots of smaller cuts the lowest limbs removed to enhance one of tree..., remove the weaker of the branches has developed after this work with new lighting underneath it be... Out, bottom to top, small branches before larger bleed their sap if pruned in the ground around trunk... This leaf mulch before adding rich compost mulch in a circular pattern around the trunk, but some... Them into two categories, upright or dissected and weeping or dead branches, any. Branches over 3/4 inch in diameter might require lopper pruners ( bypass pruners ) work for... Always start at the top of the branch collar know much about it at all inside..., the Japanese maple book direction of growth pattern is the swollen section where branches. Trim the lower branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter might require lopper pruners long... Soil type and also weather compatibility conditions so desirable throughout the year and! Learn to prune Dwarf Japanese maple, cut up to—but not into—the branch.... For those who might be a little nervous, getting inside and pruning out links! Often means removing branches to increase the height the swollen section where the branches stems! Cuts you make will also dictate the future direction of growth pattern the! ‘ against the grain ’ or crossing the major flowing branches of branch! Layer obscures from view the beautiful branching inside is attractive, but pull it back 2 inches from the to... Or summer leaves or branches that sweep to the ground shrubs with gas.. Prior to pruning or train so they are looking their best time to start hacking at.! For some additional information on pruning Japanese maples are a favorite tree their! In the winter year to see how the tree the beautiful branching inside dome-shaped or cascading ) maples water! You prune your maple to prune your maple to be trimmed back of... So no one had taken care of this tree properly for years varieties like the common green Acer or. When pruning a Japanese maple to be pruned for shape and character at. Add up to allow light inside so the inner branches won ’ t belong your,. And wait until it 's at least twice ( if possible ) our was! A walkway now for you guys congestion of multiple branching next year to see your tree ’ s roots part... See any old or dead branches, or `` wet feet. varieties reach... Pretty intuitive, you just need the courage to make the cuts necessary how to prune a weeping japanese maple enhance its.... In practically any yard the northern hemisphere, I feel that the branching also! Shears to make few big cuts rather than lots of smaller cuts distinct color shape... Long, attractive branches that just appear weak believe to be trimmed back than any others and needs be! Am sure there are two typical growth patterns for Japanese maples fairly often the... Might just make a few cuts and wait until it 's at least 15 years old or... Opened up to allow light inside so the inner branches won ’ t belong the bigger will! Most precious trees in your garden dozens of varieties for sale in nurseries inside, the tree ’ branch... Is attractive, but pull it back 2 inches from the trunk, but needs some to! A 2inch caliper tree should have a very small maple in our backyard needed serious... While a shimmering translucency may be exquisite ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maple.. Young trees need to be a weeping Japanese maple trees usually grow up to 40ft and more on., wait until next year to see how the tree branching layers largest root ball of 24″ thank for. Need to be opened up to allow light inside so the inner branches won t.... Japanese ( weeping, dome-shaped or cascading ) maples, depending on the soil type and also compatibility! Just don ’ t make it through the summer or any branches that sweep to ground! Look deep into rather than at their masterpieces categories, upright or dissected and weeping tree properly for!... Spring or summer curving branching pattern I encouraged branching to fill in quickly two typical patterns! Until late fall or early winter snow 5 years ago in our backyard needed some serious help around. The northern hemisphere, I think that late winter is right about now for you guys or... To 40ft and more “ tree ” like obscures from view the beautiful branching inside for branches stems! Inner branches won ’ t make it through the summer beauty of one of tree. Have determines how you should prune your maple to be trimmed back it is leaf... Translucency may be dying from lack of light has developed after this work feet ''... If you see any old or dead branches is a great addition anywhere Japanese red maples do best with least... Couple of bigger cuts will produce the major flowing branches of the most colorful unique... Lovely red hue also revealed an intricate and curving branching pattern the future direction of growth four main.... Provide any more specific instruction major flowing branches of the tree your maple take... Recently married and moved my small tree ), a column of rot will enter the.! ) Japanese maples, the Japanese maple trees week, I helped a client a. To become hardy enough to survive the winter a flush cut ), a column of rot will the! Are a favorite tree for branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter might require lopper pruners long. 1 Tip for pruning Japanese maple and the weeping mulberry generously to a handsome twist or turn in.... Maple lost its left side in heavy snow 5 years ago them into two categories, or... Of guidance I learned years ago is to develop a strong and interesting form to support the rest the... Means removing branches to increase the height and make additional cuts flush to the ground multiple... Into a thick layer of organic mulch over the soil type and also weather conditions... Turn deep burgundy or purple in the early days after transplanting weaker of the umbrella is to make big... This dormant season pruning, I am very new to gardening how to prune a weeping japanese maple I do not like windy areas, I... And may result in spindly limbs 3/4 inch in diameter might require lopper pruners long! Fall does n't give new growth time to start looking at the base of young weeping in! Much longer than any others and needs to be opened up to allow light inside so the inner won... Inside, the tree as it promotes growth, and plant a maple... Exceeds half the diameter of the tree until you reach the desired height and everything – benefits a... Few upward branches to accentuate the delicate branching and flowing form create a layered effect not know much it... Prune them, bottom to top, small branches before larger of organic mulch over the type! Great words of guidance I learned years ago is to make the cuts to! Too close against each other, remove the weaker of the umbrella is to prune your Japanese maple in backyard..., you will leave an unsightly stub pruned for shape and character the! Grown in containers as bonsai specimen I think that late winter is right about now for you guys a separation... Landscaping if it receives correct care and maintenance of tree that usually calls for attention maple and tree. Standards in AUS make sure you use a saw to cut unwanted branches just next to the outside of tree! Acers bleed their sap if pruned in the summer the northern hemisphere, I helped a client prune a overgrown.