The Best Time of Year to Prune Japanese Maple Trees. You should not leave pruning Japanese maple trees to luck.
These ornamental trees can get seriously damaged.
When you cut their branches and leaves incorrectly, or during the wrong time of the year.
WHEN PLANTED AND PRUNED BY PROFESSIONALS, THEY GROW AROUND 12 INCHES PER YEAR WITH BEAUTIFUL RED FOLIAGE, WHICH VARIES ITS TONE ACROSS THE YEAR.
This article will teach you several hidden rules about taking care of a Japanese maple tree.
Which Is The Best Time of Year to Prune Japanese Maple Trees?
The best time is in the WINTER. However, pruning a Japanese maple tree is a two-fold process.
During the winter months, you want to do structural pruning. As with most fruit trees, this time of the year is ideal for improving the architecture of your Japanese maple tree.
Doing structural pruning while the weather is cold. Allows you to remove all dead branches without compromising the tree’s health. Plus, the tree’s roots and branches grow stronger during the spring.
Now, what is the second part of the pruning process? Waiting for spring to perform a fine pruning service.
The Best Time of Year to Prune Japanese Maple Trees
You can achieve two of your most desired objectives with fine pruning. Which is basically the shaping of your ornamental tree. While also removing some dead or diseased branches.
First, the aesthetics of your Japanese maple tree improve. Pruning experts give the tree its traditional rounded shape at the crown.
BESIDES, FINE PRUNING AIMS TO LEAVE ONLY THE MOST VIBRANT, PURPLE-RED LEAVES.
And secondly, fine pruning can also make a Japanese maple tree healthier. Any diseased branch that was not removed during the winter can be removed now.
Doing so would prevent healthy branches from becoming sick as a byproduct.
How fast does a Japanese maple tree grow?
Japanese maple trees are not fast growers. They usually get between 12 to 20 inches higher every year when trimmed and pruned properly.
Additionally, these trees need sunlight and shade to reach their maximum potential. Aim to plant your Japanese maple trees in dapple-shaped spots.
Is it ok to perform a quick pruning during the summer?
Yes. You can slightly prune your Japanese maple tree during the summer. If you notice any fungal disease on some branches or just for aesthetic reasons.
Nevertheless, it is better to leave the tree to grow naturally as much as possible. Some people don’t perform extensive pruning to their Japanese maple trees for years.
You should call your trusted pruning services if you notice any of the following:
- Branches growing in the wrong direction
- Diseased branches
- Crossing branches
- Crowded branches
These factors foster the appearance of pests and diseases. Or might as well cause damage to your Japanese maple tree in the long term.
Ornamental trees such as the Japanese maple tree benefit the most. When you prune them during the late winter.
EXCESSIVE HEAT CAN LEAD TO SUNSCALDS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU OVER-PRUNE THE TREE.
With Japanese maple trees, it is recommended to only trim them when it’s absolutely necessary. Trying to reduce their height too often will lead to weaker branches.
