East Bay Nursery € Pruning Tips for Japanese Maples

Pruning Tips For Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples are very adaptable and manipulatable plants. They have been used as bonsai plants for centuries due to their forgivingness to various pruning techniques. Bonsai pruning is an extreme example of how these plants can be used but it emphasizes how easy these plants are to care for in the garden. The pruning of Japanese maples should be done to help accent the beauty of these plants. Whether it is shaping the plant to emphasize the form of the plant or thinning the growth to expose the branch structure or bark color, you can add additional interest to your garden with minimal work.
Listed below are a few pruning techniques and how they may be applied to various situations that may arise.

Thinning

 In the Bay Area, we find that our mild winters and springs bring on a tremendous flush of spring growth. Typically this growth contains clusters of elongated branches that are thin and soft, often misrepresenting the natural growth habit of the tree. When allowed to grow like this for a few seasons, the plant takes on a very bushy or weedy look.
These branches should be removed, leave only the most sturdy. From these, select branches that will help you to create the shape that you want; remove everything else. This can be done at any point during the year.

Tip Pruning

Tip pruning can be used to shorten a seasons worth of growth effectively slowing the growth rate of the plant. Removal of 1/2 to 3/4 of the new growth is not uncommon when trying to limit the size of a plant.
Tip pruning also can be used to promote bushiness in the plant. Removing the first few buds on each branch will promote branching which in turn will develop a thicker canopy. This is typically done in late spring to early summer.

Corrective Pruning

This technique is used to prevent or remove growth that could possibly be the source of problems in the years to come. Branches that cross or rub against one another can open the plant up to disease infection. Remove one of the offending branches. Choose the weaker or least desirable branch for removal.
Branches with real narrow crotch angles should also be removed. These branches often split easily from the main truck and can become a liability in storms. A branch that forms a 91 degree angle to the trunk is ideal. Many varieties do not naturally form wide crotch angles. Select the narrowest for removal.
Removal of small branches can be done at any time of the year. Removal of any branch larger in diameter than your thumb should be done during the dormant season.

Crown Reduction

This type of pruning is done to reduce the size of an overgrown plant. This drastic type of pruning should be avoided by combining the techniques listed above as the plant matures. When other options are not available here is what you do. Shorten one third of the major branches (up to 3" in diameter) by one third of their length. It is best to do this over a two year period. Balance the removal of the branches throughout the canopy, avoid removing the branches from one side then the other. This pruning should be done only in the dormant season.

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