Best time to prune Japanese maples as gardeners share 'essential' techniques

Japanese maples are small, deciduous trees known for their incredible foliage. They are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add colour and interest to their outdoor spaces

The Japanese maple tree, known for its stunning green or red leaves, is a sight to behold.

In autumn, these leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, or purple, with textures varying from wide points to finely dissected lobes and a lacy, wispy appearance.

These trees, also referred to as acer trees, can be quite expensive, leading many to adopt a plant-it-and-forget-it approach. However, experts at UrbanForestPro stress that pruning is a crucial care task that shouldn't be overlooked.

The "primary" reason for this, they claim, is that it "helps maintain the tree's aesthetic appeal as well as contributing to the tree's overall health and size". Pruning not only "enhances their natural beauty" but also "ensures their vitality and longevity" in the garden.

Many view the pruning of Japanese maples as an art form requiring both skill and a keen eye for detail. This process involves carefully trimming away unwanted growth and dead branches while maintaining the tree's elegant form.

For those planning to prune a Japanese maple themselves, it is recommended to follow certain "essential techniques" and steps to "master the art of Japanese maple pruning for the best results". When pruning Japanese maples, gardeners should start by removing dead branches - mostly found on the interior.

Major reshaping of the tree should be avoided as this will "leave unsightly holes" in the canopy, reports the Express. Gardeners are advised to avoid shearing in order to preserve the tree's natural flowing and drooping branches. Pruning should be approached with caution, taking time to consider each potential cut - or whether to cut at all - for "optimal results".

It's essential to make clean cuts back to lateral branches or buds and to disinfect pruning tools after every use to halt disease spread. For those curious about pruning acer trees, the "best time" is pinpointed as the winter months when they're dormant.

With Japanese maples, structural pruning is best done in winter, while fine pruning should wait until late spring, post-leaf emergence. Summer is also suitable for cutting away larger branches and tackling dead, damaged, or diseased wood.