Japanese maple trees are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance – but they require precise care to avoid spindly growth
Whilst certain Japanese maple varieties provide year-round appeal through their delicate shapes and diverse leaf hues during spring and summer, it’s during autumn that their foliage truly comes alive. They transform into breath-taking shades of fiery red, brilliant orange, and golden yellow, producing a magnificent spectacle of colour, reports the Express.
Nevertheless, Japanese maples, commonly referred to as Acers, require careful attention to prevent leggy growth, especially in their formative years, and benefit enormously from proper maintenance. The gardening experts at Jacksons Nurseries emphasise that pruning is “key” to sustaining a flourishing Acer plant and serves as a reliable approach to “restore or enhance their natural beauty.”
They said: “Choosing the right time to prune is key-Japanese maples will bleed sap if pruning is done any later than the end of December.”
Regarding the precise timing for pruning, the Royal Horticultural Society advises gardeners with larger maples to trim them whilst they are “fully dormant”. For most specimens, this falls between November and January, or during late summer (August-October).
Cutting outside the dormant period could render branches vulnerable to permanent damage, though removing old growth remains essential for vigorous autumnal renewal.
This guidance applies to both the taller Acer palmatum and the more compact ‘weeping’ Acer palmatum cultivar. A garden expert from Fine Gardening warned: “While the average tree can handle light pruning, all cuts wound a plant. If your maple is in poor health, make minimal cuts or limit yourself to deadwood removal.”
They also offered an essential tip for those with delicate Acer trees: “To be extra kind, avoid pruning during the tree’s low-energy times: just as leaves emerge in the spring or when leaves are dropping in the autumn.”
The experts emphasised the importance of using the right tools for typical acers that are in good shape. As with any ornamental tree, achieving the best results starts with sharp, clean tools.
How to prune a Japanese maple tree
Secateurs should suffice, but a keyhole saw may be necessary for larger branches. Before making any structural changes, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
The professionals at Jackson Nurseries advised taking care not to inadvertently cut into an adjacent branch, especially with younger trees. They issued a warning to keen pruners: “If you’re impatient and chop them off you’ll only make the problem worse as pruning away whippy branches only stimulates more of the same.”
Once the upper branches have been dealt with, it’s important to check the lower limbs, removing any that interfere with nearby plants or walkways.
The gardening experts have shared a top tip for tree maintenance, urging: “Check your tree over very carefully before commencing layer pruning, including getting under it and looking up, which will help you identify what you may want to prune”.
They also emphasised the importance of taking your time, with a clear caution: “If in doubt, don’t cut.”
For precision work on weeping Japanese maple trees, they recommend using a keyhole saw. This tool is kinder to the tree’s sensitive bark and reduces the risk of inflicting damage.
Unsightly thick branches that don’t taper or branch out can detract from the tree’s aesthetics; removing these can help preserve the tree’s visual charm.
If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here