Japanese maples are low-maintenance trees with beautiful red foliage. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. 22 September 2020. How do I save my dying Japanese maple tree? View fullsize. ", hanging low. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow. Bloom Time: Prized for Foliage. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season … Mature weeping Japanese maple trees generally do not need much pruning unless it is to maintain its size or a particular form in your garden. Of course, the size and age of your tree, and the type you have determines how you should prune them. If you don't have that kind of time, here's the short course on the basics of pruning a Japanese maple, courtesy of Lynn. Pruning a Japanese maple tree is not necessarily difficult, but may be intimidating at first — particularly for a weeping or “laceleaf” cultivar (Acer palmatum Var. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. If you have an upright Japanese maple, then you know that its branches only grow upright, like in the case of most other trees. Expert Interview. ", owners, so this article gave me confidence to try and make it thrive. Thanks! If a branch is hanging too low (on the ground), prune it back to an acceptable location. My husband has trimmed it to a, "We have just had a Bloodgood Japanese Maple planted in our front yard and I think it could use some structural. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. You can buy cut paste from many garden centers or plant nurseries. Thank you. View fullsize. They grow well in shade and will mature in a more open fashion. Remove any shoots growing from the base of the plant whose leaves look different from the rest of the plant. ", confident we will have a beautiful tree. This article has been viewed 623,226 times. http://www.finegardening.com/article/pruning-japanese-maples, http://www.japanesemaplesonline.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/8/index.htm, http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2009/01/how_to_prune_a_japanese_maple.html, https://gardenerdy.com/pruning-japanese-maple-trees, http://www.carryongardening.org.uk/shop/pruning-9acf4610/default.aspx, https://content.statefundca.com/safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=97, https://www.thehandymansdaughter.com/prune-japanese-maple-trees/, http://www.treeremoval.com/trimming-and-pruning/how-and-when-to-prune-a-japanese-maple-tree/#.WtAd1OjOW3A, https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/its-time-to-thin-your-japanese-laceleaf-maple-tree-just-dont-go-crazy-with-the-pruning-shears/, https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2009/3-11/transplanting.html, https://www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/maple, http://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/types/japanese-maple, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons. Do not prune this tree in the spring or summer because it causes the sap to bleed. The section that addressed the limbs overlapping each other, the dead limbs, "We have a maple tree which is living in clay soil. Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. There are many dwarf varieties of Japanese maple trees that are ideal for planting in a container. Plant Code: L11472 Light: Part Sun - Morning Sunlight Only. About This Plant. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. They can be used as a focal point planting, background planting, or as a foundation planting. Each tree is a work of art, from the small, delicate laceleaf . Unless your maple tree is young, you will need to hire a landscaper. As a maple tree, the Japanese Laceleaf will bleed or ooze sap. Monique Capanelli. It was good to find, "Comprehensive article. Will roots of a Japanese maple cause foundation damage? Where to even start? Prune your Japanese maple in winter, if possible. These trees are cultivars of the three main varieties of upright Japanese maples listed above. Pruning can take up to several hours. Great step by step instructions with pictures. This article gave us a step-by-step plan, and I have added it to our favorites list. Do not transplant trees with a trunk diameter larger than 2 inches (5.1 cm) by yourself. Acer palmatum dissectum. I thought the tree had died. ", make a special place for my granddaughters and me to lie on a blanket and read, or have a picnic. Can you prune a Japanese maple to keep it small? If left to grow, this shoot will take over and out-compete the main tree. The best time to prune bonsai Japanese maples is winter, its dormant season. Pruning Skills: When it comes to pruning, many of us feel we lack the skill to prune maples, but pruning Japanese maples artistically is actually pretty easy. trees to the larger, spreading upright varieties. Then, trim down any branches that jut out from the tree to maintain the tree’s shape and give new branches room to grow. Late winter or early spring is when to prune a Japanese maple. Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. Water: Semi-Moist. Step back from the tree several times as you prune the tree. Approved. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. [2] X Expert Source Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Expert Interview. Tips for Pruning Your Japanese Laceleaf Maple Tree. Your tree will look best and stay healthiest if you follow its natural pattern. Did you know you can read premium answers for this article? They’ll also grow downwards and to the sides. Laceleaf-maple pruning is often called “shell pruning” because, when done correctly, the top layer of branches forms a protective veil of foliage over the plant that resembles a shell. There are various methods for pruning Japanese maples, however, when properly located in the garden they don't usually require anything more than a light, corrective pruning of a stray branch here or there. ", visualize the tree branch angle. I will wait til this winter and prune and shape my two year old trees. Compost Spreading Service * Sometimes Available * View fullsize. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can also protect your skin from scratches. Thank you! HOW TO PRUNE JAPANESE MAPLE TREES. dissectum: Under the moniker of lace leaf (a.k.a. ", when, where, and which trees to prune at any gven time. Can I prune the part on the ground without damaging the tree? Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Especially important is to make a plan before chopping, branches, "I was told by so many friends, "don't trim the tree, you'll kill it". I have also found that trees will form a stronger trunk if the lower branches are not trimmed for a few years. Emerald lace has leaves that emerge bright green in spring with red petioles which remain red throughout the season. Both the verbiage and, "This article was very helpful. Expert Interview. Thank you. View fullsize. We explain and show the steps to properly prune a laceleaf Japanese maple in summer. We might perceive it as fragile and delicate, and we’re afraid to mess up its natural beauty through improper pruning. "We have a beautiful, albeit overgrown, Japanese maple outside our kitchen window. Step 2 Water your maple often enough that the soil stays moist. Yes. View fullsize. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. * (This beautiful 6’ tree was excessively thinned some years back in an overly aggressive attempt to accomplish in one season what should have been patiently done over a period of 5 or more years.This image shows the South side of the tree where direct sunlight scalded long shaded interior bark. ", illustrations were straightforward. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Try to keep the tree's original shape as you prune. When to Prune Japanese Maple Trees. ", Inclusion of what to do and what not to do is also very informative. I'm feeling 100% more confident. View fullsize. ", with plenty of USABLE information - especially regarding the best time to prune. I have no leaves yet the middle of the tree is very dark and the end has a lot of branches which have a very light brown color. The spring is when the maple has the most sap. X Plant Specialist. There is also some training involved to make sure they … My lace leaf maple is dragging on the ground. If heavy sap flow occurs, pruning should be delayed until it stops or wait until midsummer. If your laceleaf and upright maple tree needs to cut a considerable number of branches, we recommend that you do not prune it all at once, and it should be done in steps, so you need to make a plan to prune this Japanese maple tree in 2 to 3 years. 22 September 2020. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. A thorough pruning involves removing dead limbs and crossing branches (or branches that will cross in the future). WHEN TO PRUNE. Now that I've used your site, "My sister has a Japanese maple tree, but it looks very sick, with dry branches at the top and a few branches. Now I know when to prune my Japanese maple. Your suggestions what, "Yes, it helped. Any pruning should be done late winter and before the new spring foliage. You can purchase pruning tools at most garden centers or plant nurseries. Laceleaf Maple . Overly Thinned Japanese Laceleaf Maple. Flower Color: Red. Pruning Japanese Maples: Japanese laceleaf maple pruning is also called “shell pruning”. ", Now I know when/how to prune it. [3] X Expert Source Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Expert Interview. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 623,226 times. Gardeners often fall into two camps with these trees. Maple leaf buds are small and red, and they jut out from the tree branches. This is not to say that Japanese maples will not grow in shade. the Laceleaf Maples) that take center stage in a flower bed. ", I can correctly prune a Japanese maple tree with ease! In 30 years of working with landscaping, I have never seen any foundation damage, lifting of sidewalks or any aggressive root behavior from Japanese maples. I have pruned hundreds of these magnificent specimens. We might peek inside and see an impenetrable tangle of branches. The goal is to strive for a natural shape and airy canopy. The, "Very helpful, especially the sources and citations. For the most part, pruning Japanese maples is confined to removing dead wood and fine stems, which obstruct the handsome skeleton of the tree. View fullsize. The branches or bones of maple tree is more important for its aesthetic appeal. Thank you. A laceleaf Japanese maple is typically everyone's first Japanese maple. Although you can prune your tree almost any time of the year, the best time to prune is during the last frost of the year. Some gardeners don’t like pruning this species at all, but this will result in too much foliage. This gave me both pictures and, "Knowing how to choose the branches to cut and how much to take out was the most help. Japanese Maple. ", have lopped off my Japanese Maple and kept pruning until I was satisfied and killed my tree! Expert Source View fullsize. But after reading this article and seeing the illustrations, I believe I will get my gardener, under my supervision, to cut it back a little. Good article. As you begin to open the tree you will begin to see light filtering through the canopy. Thank you. View fullsize. The information was clear and will certainly help me to make good decisions about, "I loved the step by step instructions with pictures! I'm pretty confident I can accomplish the tasks. ", sites and your article is, in my opinion, one of the best. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. ", I'm afraid to prune it since it is doing so well. ", and nipping the buds were both very helpful. ", illustrations were perfect, conveying just what is pertinent. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. Every tree has a geometric shape and a direction or pattern in which the branches flow. This depends, in part, on whether the tree receives a lot of direct sunlight. Removing too much top affects the production of food energy (carbohydrates) and can result in poor root development. Now I have two and it looks like, "I just moved to a home that has a Japanese maple tree, but I've never had one before. Thank you, you're awesome! Japanese Maple Trees are usually broad-leaved trees that are mostly used as ornamental shade specimen. For tips from our Horticulture reviewer on how to prune the complex branches of a Laceleaf Maple, read on! Best Tree Service in Durham North Carolina, serving residents in and around Durham, North Carolina with Commercial Tree Service,Emergency Tree service and Storm Damage,Tree Cutting,Tree Removal,Tree Stump Removal and Grinding, and Tree Trimming. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. ", out that it is possible to move it to a better position. Photo/Illustration: Melissa Lucas. ", one side. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. If you have a laceleaf Japanese maple (or a weeping Japanese maple), then its branches won’t only grow upward. "I just purchased a home with a beautiful tree next to the driveway. How to prune a weeping maple. No. Laceleaf Maples or the dissectum group of Japanese maples of Acer palmatum var. The truth falls somewhere in between. On the other hand, some gardeners are fond of pruning too much, which will result in … Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Perfect as specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens or for rock gardens and containers. It is important to preserve this tree’s … People ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maples fairly often and the short answer is yes, you should prune your Japanese maples. Overlapping branches can rub against each other, which chips their bark and leaves them prone to diseases or pests. Thanks for saving my tree! How do I tell the difference between Japanese Maples? Fortunately, it’s really not that difficult to prune Japanese laceleaf maples, as long as you follow some general guidelines. Japanese Laceleaf Maples Testimonials Blog. Thank you! Japanese Maple Trees usually grow up to 40ft and more depending on the soil type and also weather compatibility conditions. The term laceleaf decribes the heavily divided and dissected leaves of these types of Japanese maples. Put on sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun's UV rays. Thank you for help. Summer color lightens to light green with red highlights. Thanks. With a pair of shears and the right technique, you can cut back excessive growth and give your tree a harmonious shape! Early spring snow in Denver killed the new and now the, "I am definitely a novice and all the advice was informative and helpful to me. "I have a Japanese maple tree near the patio in the back of my condo. Cut back more if you see the need. How do you prune a weeping Japanese maple? Try pruning your maple about twice a year—once in winter and once in summer, preferably. "boxy" shape and foliage is thick, providing perfect protection to several kinds of birds. "Narrative description with clear illustrations of branch with shears in the position of a cut was very informative. unlocking this expert answer. For me, the visual step-by-step pictures were most helpful. PHOTO GALLERY Images of interesting trees. If it seems severely ill or weak, nurture the plant to better health before pruning. Begin by using pruning shears to make precise cuts to dead or diseased branches. Pruning may or may not be necessary during the warm days of summer. We tried, with the help of the nurseryman, to pick the best tree, but there are a couple of branches overlapping, and it looks crowded. They were very helpful to actually, "I was just gifted a lace-leafed Japanese maple, about 6 feet tall. ", pruned, and looks like a big bush. ", I needed to trim them. The first step in pruning to restrict the size of the green laceleaf Japanese maple shown below, yet keep it tree like, is to remove some excess branches. Use a clean pair of pruning shears on small branches and pruners on larger ones. Our confidence in successfully tackling the process of shaping and caring for our 3 year old, never before pruned centerpiece is quite high. Deadwood branches are leafless in warm seasons and, throughout the year, grey with a brittle texture. Avoid pruning the tree in weather hotter than 80 °F (27 °C), especially if the tree is located in full sun. Thank you. It had never been shaped and was growth heavy on, "I have 9 Japanese maples to shape and prune. ", after reading "How to Prune Chinese Maple Trees". References *Click on each image to expand. "The text was very clear. Laceleaf Japanese Maple. This article received 62 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Laceleaf Japanese maples require very little pruning. These instructions provided the knowledge to trim it to the wonderful shape of a classic Japanese Maple, allowing sight lines over and around the tree. For especially thick or hard-to-reach branches, you can also use pruning saws or long-reach pruners. Summer pruning is usually limited to removing aggressive water sprouts growing straight up through the tree. Summer can also be a good time for removing larger branches and for removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood. I'll get organic soil and mulch and pray the tree will survive. These limbs provide the closest source of food energy for root development. Pruning Laceleaf Trees Pruning the Laceleaf Japanese Maple tree is a bit more complicated than pruning the uprights. Japanese maples crave sunlight on all of their parts, which is an excellent key to pruning. Japanese maples can handle anything from a light trim to more extensive pruning, depending on the time of year and the tree's health. The answer not to trim down to make a smaller tree was very helpful as I probably would have topped it off. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Tamukeyama Japanese maples are hardy in USDA plant zones 5 through 8. This article has been viewed 623,226 times. % of people told us that this article helped them. It doesn’t have to be much, just enough to showcase what needs to be done. When deciding to have these gems pruned, it might be a good. This article was co-authored by Monique Capanelli. Absolutely. The best time to trim most ornamental and fruit trees is during the winter months while they are dormant. However, one side is longer and beginning to rest on the ground. July 16, 2013. The problem was the limbs were hanging too low. Hardy and vigorous. How do I even out the branches on my Japanese maple tree? Had I not checked I'm sure I would, "I really understood the proper way to cut the branches with the drawings. The trick to pruning this type of Japanese maple is to allow its top layer to form a sort of canopy over the entire tree. Avoid removing more than 1/3 of the tree’s foliage, which could make it prone to disease. ", step-by-step guidance. For Japanese maples, it is recommended to do structural pruning in the winter and wait until late spring, after the leaves come out, for fine pruning. Gardeners belonging to the second group tend to prune too much and end up with very little. Is this normal? If you’re pruning a diseased tree, sanitize your cutting tools so you don’t spread the contamination. I have been looking for pruning information on quite a few, "I need to prune several maples. Emerald Lace Japanese maple is our favorite green Acer palmatum with finely dissected leaves. Pruning Japanese Maples. Step 1 Site your Tamukeyama maple in well-drained soil in full sun in the cooler areas of its range, and partial shade in the warmer areas. Care & Maintenance. How To Prune Weeping Japanese Maple Tree (Laceleaf Japanese Maple) Young trees can benefit from pruning to train an attractive overall shape. To prune a Japanese Maple, wait until it's at least 15 years old so you're not interfering with its natural shape. View fullsize. Reed Pugh. It has been neglected for years by previous, "I have a beautiful Acer in my garden, but realize that I have planted it in the wrong place. It is beautiful and I will wait until late summer to prune. Top layers will act as a protective cover of foliage for the entire tree. Thank you! Start by pruning less than you think you'll need to cut to prevent over pruning. ", to do will hopefully bring back the maple tree to the original lively leaves. View fullsize. How do I treat shallow roots on my Japanese Maple tree? The trick to pruning this type of Japanese maple is to allow its top layer to form a sort of canopy over the Japanese maple from becoming larger. Now here are my specific tips for pruning a laceleaf Japanese maple: When I approach a laceleaf maple (or any tree or shrub that I’m about to prune), I first walk around the tree to study its branches, silhouette and overall shape and structure. Removing too much foliage can make the tree vulnerable to sun scald. https://shadetreepruning.com/tips-for-pruning-your-japanese-laceleaf-maple-tree FOR EMERGENCY TREE SERVICES - … Pruning the maple several times a year is a great way to keep the maple in good health and looking elegant. laceleaf or lace-leaf) Japanese (weeping, dome-shaped or cascading) maples, there are dozens of varieties for sale in nurseries. Japanese Maples are fantastic trees. … Laceleaf Japanese maples are slightly more complicated than their upright cousins. Give newly planted trees and shrubs only minimal pruning. I recommend pruning maples between mid-July and August, a period when sap won’t run from cuts. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Why must we prune … Needless to say, it is not doing well. "Have a couple of Japanese maples, and I needed to learn how to prune them. Feature trees are a focal point in the landscape. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Support wikiHow by {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid2334080-v4-728px-Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"