During winter time, pruning is something that Japanese maples, otherwise known as acer trees, can benefit from.
Pruning can also help gardeners to improve their acer tree’s appearance and overall structure.
However, it is essential not to get too carried away and prune too much because this can encourage the tree to produce new growth fast. This will then be more prone to cold damage.
To carry out pruning on Japanese maples correctly, a gardening expert has taken to the Just A Trimm Landscaping Facebook page to share their advice.
They said: “Hey gardening lovers, as a horticulturist based in the Birmingham area, I wanted to share some insights on pruning Japanese maples – those gorgeous trees we all love.”
The first piece of advice the expert shared is that “timing is everything” so gardeners need to prune their Japanese maples now before the spring growth spurt.
The expert said: “Late winter to early spring is the sweet spot, ensuring a healthy, stress-free transition into the growing season.”
When pruning, it is recommended to “focus on enhancing the tree’s natural beauty”.
Gardeners need to identify and remove dead or crossing branches, but “avoid heavy shaping”.
The gardening pro claimed that it’s all about a light touch to maintain that graceful form.
When making cuts, they need to be carried out with care. The professional instructed: “Always cut back to a lateral branch or bud, and be mindful of the branch collar – that swollen area where the branch meets the trunk.
“This promotes quick healing and keeps your tree thriving with vibrant growth come spring.”
When autumn rolls around again gardeners must “steer clear of heavy pruning” to keep their Japanese maple from “winter woes”.
The expert claimed that late winter and early spring pruning sets the stage for a “resilient and vibrant” tree.
As the red is considered a thing of beauty by many, the pro said: “Remember, you’re not just pruning – you’re sculpting living art.”
