Pruning Japanese Maples

Pruning Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples are fantastic trees. Each tree is a work of art, from the small, delicate laceleaf 

trees to the larger, spreading upright varieties. When deciding to have these gems pruned, it might be a good

idea to talk with a Certified Arborist. I  have pruned hundreds  of these magnificent specimens.

 There are some tips and tricks to achieving your pruning goals without taking anything away from the form or causing harm to the trees.

Things to remember- The bark of Japanese Maples is thin and soft. Be careful with your pruning tools.
It is very easy to nick or peel bark if you are not paying close attention.

Make proper pruning cuts at branch collars-Being thin-barked, Japanese Maples are a little finicky about

pruning cuts-improper pruning cuts lead to decay!

If the tree is large or mature enough to be climbed, wear soft soled shoes that will not tear or damage bark.

I have seen some beautiful large, old trees that people had climbed in and caused extensive damage from

their climbing  boots.

Remove deadwood, crossing and rubbing limbs, limbs dragging or touching the ground (common on weeping trees)

Less is truly more with these rare and delicate beauties. You never want to remove a large portion of the canopy. This is unnecessary and can damage the health of the tree.(Think hand pruners and loppers, not chainsaw).

If tree is unusually thick in the canopy, remove inner foliage/layers.

I found two pruning illustrations that I would like to share. These were in an article written by Cass Turnbull of Seattle. I met Cass several years ago at an international forestry conference in Seattle and enjoyed her views on pruning.