Pruning is something Japanese maples can benefit from, however, this is only true if carried out at the right time and correct way.
Experts advise adhering to certain guidelines when tackling the gardening task of shaping these beauties.
Moana Nursery’s green-thumbed gurus claimed that Japanese maples can take a trim nearly all year round. However, they mark out the “best times for major pruning” as the chilly embrace of winter prior to buds swelling with promise, or the gentler warmth of early summer.
They said: “Winter is easy because the tree has no leaves, which makes it easier to see the branch structure and make the right cuts.
“In early summer, the presence of leaves will help you judge the right amount of thinning needed to see the structure of your tree.”
The nursery experts warned that severe pruning, intending to change or contain the character of your Japanese Maple, will backfire, causing quicker, more chaotic growth.
According to gardening experts, start pruning by scouting out branches that are broken, dead, or malformed. They explained: “You will usually spot deadwood near the tips of branches or in the interior of the tree. Avoid removing only the tips of branches as this will result in rapid and unruly growth. Instead, you can either remove part of or the whole branch.”
To remove part of the branch, experts advise cutting back to a quarter of an inch or so above a healthy bud (a bud is the half-moon-shaped swelling along the branch).
Moana Nursery’s green-fingered experts advised: “An essential rule is to cut back to a branch or bud that is pointed in the direction you want your Japanese maple to grow.”
They also shared tips on precise cutting techniques, stating: “You can cut to a bud, a live lateral branch (smaller branches growing off of the main branch), or back to the branch collar, the swelling where the branch attaches to the main trunk.”
Continuing their advice, the nursery specialists highlighted the importance of avoiding damage to the branch collar. They warned that gardeners should be careful not to cut into it but rather cut a couple of inches beyond the collar.
The pros emphasised: “Cutting into the main trunk or into a branch collar can often be an entry point for disease and pests.”
The gardening experts suggest focusing on the suckers, also known as sprouts stemming from the base.
Shedding further light on the subject, they said: “Suckers are a key area to prune on Japanese maples. These are ‘new growth’ typically emanating from the trunk base or nearby ground area. Suckers can siphon vital nutrients meant for your tree, thus their removal is critical for healthier growth.”
Gardening experts have shared their top tips for keeping trees healthy, starting with the removal of dead or dying branches. They explained: “Cleaning off dead or dying branches can help mitigate the spread of diseases, focus your tree’s nutrients and growth into healthy limbs and promote new and healthier growth.”
They also advised that crossing branches should be pruned to prevent them from rubbing against each other or the main trunk, which can cause damage and allow pests and diseases to infiltrate.