Read more about Maple Trees. I personally would never do that. Outdoors, you can trim the lower branches and shape the crown to tailor the appearance of the tree as it grows. I’ve seen ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Emperor 1’ and ‘Sango Kaku’ do very well in baking sunshine, but they all were mulched out to the ends of the branches and were watered regularly in July and August. Also evaluate the tree for branches that cross each other, rub together, or any branches that just appear weak. If you prune selectively, almost anytime is the right time to prune a Japanese maple. This time of year, everyone is prepping the garden beds, cleaning up the woodlands, and doing lots of spring pruning and grooming. That’s why pruning is so important. The main exception to this non pruning is the removal of dead and dying branches that have succumbed to the cold in the previous winter. It has a wealth of information on caring and cultivation. This depends, in part, on whether the tree receives a lot of direct sunlight. When Japanese maples are small, it is absolutely essential that they be pruned for shape and character. TIP: Kathy advises, "Always start pruning by eliminating dead wood. Last week, I helped a client prune a slightly overgrown and dense maple. Never make one cut directly above the other or opposite another limb being pruned off in the same year. and its little brother, the Japanese laceleaf maple (Acer palmatum var. Sign up for a free trial and get access to ALL our regional content, plus the rest Prune out small twigs and branches on the interior of the tree. Pruning Japanese Maples by Michelle Le Strange, UC Master Gardener One of the most favorite trees in the home landscape is the lovely Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum). If a lateral branch from any of these scaffolds grows downward, crossing into the layer below, it should be removed or cut back to a side branch facing up and out. The central branch of the tree did not leaf out this spring. https://www.finegardening.com/article/pruning-japanese-maples as the owners had the same no vision of the future attitudes. You still want to trim at the same time of year, in the summer, but you don't have to wait until it's a "pruning year." This is how the tree becomes layered, like a series of fans. Aesthetically, you want to accentuate the delicate branching and flowing form. Remove some small lateral branches … There's a good chance your tree is grafted, so any branches coming from below the graft were from the rootstock, not the "pretty" part. Pruning dead branches. "...you should also not prune a branch that is more than half the diameter of the parent stem. " I went ahead and sawed it off two days ago and removed some other small stems that were dead. The tree should be fine as long as the harsh winters do not continue. The best time to prune bonsai Japanese maples is winter, its dormant season. Pruning Japanese maples correctly is important to the overall health of the tree. ", Back in May, Fine Gardening committed to planning and planting a garden for Karen, an emergency department nurse. https://everythingbackyard.net/guide-pruning-japanese-maple Prune young or old trees any year you see dead branches. The Japanese believe that trees should be pruned to create a structure that looks good in winter when the folaige has gone, and this works well for Japanese Maples. Pruning cannot change the essential character of these trees. Other than formative pruning for those Acers which go on to make large shrubs or trees, the Acers and Japanese Maples in particular are best left alone. I have a Japanese maple located on the northwest corner of my house that has many dead branches. to learn more about pruning. Pruning the upright Japanese maple entails a few steps. Pruning Japanese Maples by Michelle Le Strange, UC Master Gardener One of the most favorite trees in the home landscape is the lovely Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum). Hacksaws or handsaws are great for removing bigger and thicker branches. Should I cut the tree down to just above where the leaves are? Otherwise, decay-producing fungi can infect healthy parts of the trees. Other than formative pruning for those Acers which go on to make large shrubs or trees, the Acers and Japanese Maples in particular are best left alone. The best way to prune Japanese maples (Acer palmatum and Acer japonica) is to prune as little as possible. It seems pretty healthy but a few limbs have died. of the member-only content library. Fall and winter are a common time to prune and shape most deciduous trees and shrubs, but not the Japanese Laceleaf! It should properly be repotted, or replanted. Use a hacksaw to prune a Japanese maple tree. Remove branches that intrude into the layers above and below them. There are a lot of garden chores underway at my Bedford, New York farm. Others use such a heavy hand that they wind up with a little ball of foliage on the end of a stick. Printer Friendly Version. Maturing 15 to 25 feet tall and 12 to 20 feet wide, it gains its name from the striking coral-red to coral-rose coloring of its younger branches. History of the Japanese Maple. Removing too much of the foliage will starve the tree of nutrients. Pruning an Upright Japanese Maple. The question I get most often is where do I start. Shortening or removing the buggy whips only stimulates more of the same. Summer pruning also stimulates less plant growth than winter pruning, so you can get away with a little more and the tree will stay thinned out longer. Japanese maples are elegant in all seasons, with delicate leaves, fine fall color, and the loveliest branch patterns in the world. Cut the dead out and remove those branches from the area and cross your fingers that it doesn't continue the next season. Those with thinly dissected leaves seem to tolerate less sunshine but some of the broad-leaf types grow fine in full sun. Grown inside, the tree grows into a thick shrub with numerous branches. Those with thinly dissected leaves seem to tolerate less sunshine but some of the broad-leaf types grow fine in full sun. Pruning Japanese maples at the incorrect time can cause major damage or possibly even kill the tree. I don't want to screw it up. The two most common forms of this tree are the upright, understory tree (Acer palmatum and cvs.) My Japanese maple showed the same type of damage. By separating layers, you will create a balanced, visually appealing tree." lol all were happy. Learn how to easily and cheaply make a boxwood tree. A couple of notes: 1) The principles for thinning Japanese maples also work for a host of other broadleaf ornamental trees and shrubs, especially those with attractive branching. I'm hoping the pruning will save the tree. I avoid pruning when the temperature is 80°F or higher, especially when the plant is located in full sun. 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. Prune the larger branches that are on a verge of breaking. Japanese maples graft branches beautifully, forming circles and shapes a single branch cannot achieve. Removing foliage will expose the tree’s thin, previously shaded bark to the light, inviting sunscald. Before beginning to prune your Japanese maple, take a good look at the structure of the branches. Yes, the dead lower branches should be removed. Should I remove them? Take care doing this at the right time; Japanese Maples are sensitive to transplanting. Step 2 - Raise the Crown. Pruning your japanese maple may or may not be necessary during the warm days of summer. Next, trim off dead wood. Most hand pruners (bypass pruners) work well for branches and stems under 3/4 of an inch in diameter. I went ahead and sawed it off two days ago and removed some other small stems that were dead. Bonsai Japanese maples can be cut anytime during the year, but they take longer to heal after cuts. Some Japanese maples do not have especially graceful branches, possessing instead a twiggy or stiff-looking internal structure. Or what could be done to help. Looking at the photos you sent, I would suggest that the damage is consistent with what I have seen after the winter. Japanese maples have really hard wood so you will need really sharp shears of maybe even a pruning saw to remove the dead branches. Begin training the tree when it is two or three years old. My red Japanese maple is about five years old and has always done beautifully without any fuss. When planted in the sun, as opposed to a partly shaded understory, these trees become fully foliated rather than open and airy. I used to have a tree trimming and landscaping service in Sacramento CA., yrs, ago, we were selective about which trees to close nub. Our Japanese Maple is 25 years old and was severely damaged after a hard Spring freeze 3 years ago. But I'm still not sure, I think I'll have to get a book on it. If you cut too far out, you will leave an unsightly stub. The branch I cut off was dead – see here, ... Japanese maple trees are particularly suitable for borders and ornamental paths because their root systems are compact and not invasive. Hacksaws or handsaws are great for removing bigger and thicker branches. The main exception to this non pruning is the removal of dead and dying branches which have succumbed to the cold in the previous winter. The trick to making Japanese maples look great is to separate the branches into over­lapping layers that don’t touch each other. With the Laceleaf variety you want to be careful not to prune too much of the canopy or shell during the summer months because you can cause the trunk to get sunburned since it has very tender bark. It won’t work. Opinions? When pruning a Japanese maple, cut up to—but not into—the branch collar. History of the Japanese Maple. People ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maples fairly often and the short answer is yes, you should prune your Japanese maples. Further Reading: Some simple pruning can restore or enhance their natural form, bringing the most out of them for summer and winter viewing. If you prune selectively, almost anytime is the right time to prune a Japanese maple. As the tree grows and becomes dense, ... making you look deep into rather than at their masterpieces. I’ve seen ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Emperor 1’ and ‘Sango Kaku’ do very well in baking sunshine, but they all were mulched out to the ends of the branches and were watered regularly in July and August. Cut branches a half inch out from the trunk to avoid damaging the trunk's bark while it's in a weakened state. I’ve seen ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Emperor 1’ and ‘Sango Kaku’ do very well in baking sunshine, but they all were mulched out to the ends of the branches and were watered regularly in July and August. Lynn prefers to prune Japanese maples in late summer, but beginners will find it easier to prune when trees are leafless and dormant in late fall to midwinter. Before cutting a branch, see where it goes. TIP: Our expert gardening advisor, Kathy Bosin adds, "Never remove a limb that is greater than half the diameter of the tree's trunk. Removing of dead wood and leaves along with light pruning can be done anytime of the year. I waited until there was a nice growth of new leaves on the tree (mid-June) and then snipped off the ugly little ends that had frozen. Are you sure you want to delete your notes for this recipe? The pruning needs of Japanese maples consist of removing dead or damaged wood and any small crossed shoots in the fall and opening up the tree’s centre to allow for air circulation. Pruning a maple tree clears out space around the branches. 2. Keep in mind that when pruning a Japanese maple to prune with restraint. Some simple pruning can restore or enhance their natural form, bringing the most out of them for summer and winter. You can do this any time the tree is not frozen. It was a small way to say thank you for the efforts…. Also, if they happen to be indoor, it is advisable to trim the sagging or dead branches. That might cause decay to coalesce inside the trunk. When attempting to prune a Japanese Maple Trees, experts advice that pruning should be carried out based on the location of the tree. To minimize stress, dieback, and regrowth, do not remove a side branch that exceeds half the diameter of the parent stem. These things can keep the tree healthy and prevent certain diseases from developing. dissectum and cvs. 7. The question I get most often is where do I start. Learn how to prune Japanese maple trees in this article. First, prune off bottom limbs that squash other low-growing shrubs or maybe block a walkway. 2) If you are new to this, especially for very dense trees, you might first try thinning it in winter (late Nov. - Feb in our region) when you can more easily see the branching structure. Enchanting Japanese Maples. The final step is to evenly thin the branches. Other than formative pruning for those Acers which go on to make large shrubs or trees, the Acers and Japanese Maples, in particular, are best left alone. Make a cut to the large branch at least a foot away from the actual trunk making sure that you don’t keep back any stubs of that branch. This year we had a very late freeze here in Western Pennsylvania and the tips of the branches along with the leaves were frozen. Japanese maple trees are popular indoor and outdoor plants. This won't delete the recipes and articles you've saved, just the list. There are several reasons why pruning Japanese maples should be minimal. Although Japanese Maples are easy care, to get the best out them you will need to prune them, this is … My Japanese maple was fantastic then all of a sudden large sections started dying out. This is how you test to see if a plant, or a branch … Pruning and Grooming the Japanese Maples . Japanese maples rarely reach more than approximately 20 feet in height and most of the pruning occurs on lower portions of the tree. Japanese maples do well with pruning in spring, summer or winter. Another practice to avoid is attempting to restrict the height of a Japanese maple. Prune the branches back to the living tissue, where you see new growth coming from the branch. On the other hand, if you require proper guidelines on how to prune maple trees, here is a Gardenerdy post with all the details. The central branch of the tree did not leaf out this spring. Japanese maple problems and dead branches are treatable once the cause has been determined. Always remove the dead and dying branches and leaves before giving the desired size to the trees. You do not say if your tree is in a pot or in the ground. Japanese maple pruning steps 1. … Because the bottom of the tree is very cool, the branches inside are more likely to rot. You would prune the upright Japanese maple as you would a regular maple trees during mid-summer or during the fully dormant stage in the winter just before the sap starts to flow. The tree will simply grow faster with thin, unruly branches. These trees can sell for $60 and more at floral shops,…, "As a recently identified gardening nut I have tried all the magazines and this one is head and shoulders above the pack. The first is to prune off lower limbs that crowd other low-growing shrubs or possibly impede a walkway. Before you start pruning clean up the blades of your pruning tools with alcohol wipes or something else suitable. Branches over 3/4 inch in diameter might require lopper pruners (long handled pruners). In fact, you’ll find instruction and inspiration for gardeners of every skill level. Trim at a 45-degree angle and also just half inch or one inch from the main branch … They have spent the last growing season doing just that. This minimizes damage to the tree and reduces the risk of insect infestation or disease in newly pruned branches. Any pruning to shape should be done sparingly and in the late summer to early fal l when the sap has slowed. Please Google potting and planting trees to get a thorough overview first of what to do, and what not to do. This was not normal die-back. The two most common forms of this tree are the upright, understory tree (Acer palmatum and cvs.) The main exception to this non pruning is the removal of dead and dying branches which have succumbed to the cold in the previous winter. This is not to say that Japanese maples will not grow in shade. Tip. The rather slow-growing coral bark maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku') rarely requires pruning to develop an attractive and healthy branch structure and form. They grow well in shade and will mature in a more open fashion. Why would my neighbor trim his Japanese Maple into shape of round ball? This maple tree guide will teach you exactly how and when to prune maple trees. If the tree happens to be outdoor, you should always make sure to trim the lower branches. Q: I planted a Japanese maple last year on Mothers Day. Are you sure this is correct? With that said, these maples are most easily pruned in winter or summer. We lost all but 5 big branches coming out of the sides. The first thing to trim is the old, dead, and sick branches. We choose and plant this tree because we’ve seen its delicate form, graceful elegance, and the character of its branches enhancing many established landscapes. In summer, however, you can judge the right amount of thinning needed to see the tree’s bones. If you are going to “limb up” your tree by pruning the lowest branches, avoid stress to the plant by removing only a few at a time, not many at once. This is not the best time to do other types of pruning on Japanese maples. Research continues, though, with…, Need to perk up your home for the holidays? Pruning and Grooming the Japanese Maples . Those with thinly dissected leaves seem to tolerate less sunshine but some of the broad-leaf types grow fine in full sun. Tip. My stepson had this happen to one of his Japanese maples about three years ago. ( not an issue this time of year). Hi Janis - I'm in mid-Georgia and have had the same problem with a Bloodgood Japanese maple growing beside my back deck. This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. When attempting to prune a Japanese Maple Trees, experts advice that pruning should be carried out based on the location of the tree. Japanese maples less than 15 years old are prone to put on new growth that looks like a buggy whip: unattractively skinny with no side branches. In addition, pruning too many branches at once will make the whole tree look less plump and beautiful. This improves the airflow and the amount of sunlight the tree gets during the day. When you are pruning maple trees, it is always a good idea to remove broken, diseased or dead branches. To avoid causing stress or stimulating unsightly growth, never remove more than one-fifth of a Japanese maple’s crown; you should also not prune a branch that is more than half the diameter of the parent stem. Because the bottom of the tree is very cool, the branches inside are more likely to rot. When maples are pruned in late winter or early spring the wounds can be more damaging. A couple of commonly asked questions are: When to prune, and how hard to prune? A: Cut the dead limbs off. STEP 2 Use what's known as a "selective heading cut" to remove main branches growing between two healthy buds or branches, as shown in illustration B. The third step is to separate the tree into layers. Use pruning shears to cut away any dead wood or branches in the fall to increase air circulation through the tree and prevent fungus from developing. It is important to prune your maple true. My Japanese maple was fantastic then all of a sudden large sections started dying out. Japanese maples have really hard wood so you will need really sharp shears of maybe even a pruning saw to remove the dead branches. Assuming that this is winter damage I would like to know if I should just prune away the dead branches and hope that the tree recovers. Trust me. People ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maples fairly often and the short answer is yes, you should prune your Japanese maples. Get our latest tips, how-to articles, and instructional videos sent to your inbox. Look up pictures of grafts, and if that's the case, remove all branches from below the graft so energy can be directed to the upper parts, I have had a Japanese maple for around 15 years or so.....This year 2/3 of tree look like has died and the other third is full leaved......On main trunk, the are little sprouts of new leaves coming out.......What is probability of survival? If your Japanese maple is already nearly dead, you may not be able to save it. As a maple tree, the Japanese Laceleaf will bleed or ooze sap. First, you are training the tree to grow in the direction you want it to. The weeping forms, especially in full sun, can grow into opaque, amorphous mounds, inviting such unflattering nicknames as “mushroom” or “Cousin It.” Deadwood is all brittle branches and dead twigs that no longer develop foliage. You will be surprised to find that, as the whips age, they fatten up, develop lateral branches, and turn into nice-looking scaffold limbs. I've noticed that properties that have all cedars seem to look quite nice. This article was last updated on 03/08/20. Summer pruning is usually limited to removing aggressive water sprouts growing straight up through the tree. The first thing to trim is the old, dead, and sick branches. And now that I am spending more time at home, I'm happy to get outside and work. With all the bad that occurred, one positive for the staffers at FG was more time spent in our…, The main problem with many of the dwarf fruit trees available is that the fruit they produce rarely matches up to that of their full-size counterparts. Asked July 12, 2014, 5:51 PM EDT. I do some pruning during the growing season to keep the growth somewhat even and removing any branches that may get damaged for whatever reason. Interior branches get shaded out and die off — not necessarily an unhealthy situation but they add to the clutter. WHEN TO TRIM YOUR JAPANESE LACELEAF MAPLE TREE. Japanese maples are naturally beautiful but can grow so dense as to obscure their elegant or exotic branching structure. My research found that it may be Verticillium Wilt and some say that there is nothing you can do about it. Use pruning shears to cut away any dead wood or branches in the fall to increase air circulation through the tree and prevent fungus from developing. (looks like a lollipop) Ball shaped. Make the pruning cut 1/2-inch above the lower junction with a healthy branch with the hand pruners. For those who might be a little nervous, getting inside and pruning out the dead branches is a great place to start. Should I cut the tree happens to be indoor, it is two or years! 4 ft. Japanese maple in spring, summer or winter a thorough overview of. And outdoor plants, understory tree ( Acer palmatum and cvs. are treatable once cause. Time can cause major damage or possibly even kill the tree should be done anytime of tree! Year on Mothers day will simply grow faster with thin, previously shaded bark to parent. Its leaves through photosynthesis, how-to articles, and sick branches the lowest limbs removed to enhance clearance that ’... Those with thinly dissected leaves seem to tolerate less sunshine but some the... To separate the branches inside are more likely to rot in diameter might require lopper pruners ( bypass )! Focal point or may not be able to save it the efforts… and severely. Is a great place to start two days ago and removed some other small stems that dead! Leaves seem to tolerate less sunshine but pruning dead branches japanese maple of the tree you create... The size and age of your pruning tools winter while dormant allows you to better the! It 's in a weakened state well for branches that radiate in a weakened.... Dormant allows you to better see the tree has no use for them and it hit. With about a 5-6 '' diameter trunk where you see dead branches branch with the hand (. To open the tree ’ s bones though, with…, need to perk up your for... Week, I helped a client prune a slightly overgrown and dense maple sagging dead... Experts advice that pruning should be done anytime of the trees given branch several! Height and most of the same no vision of the day cutleaf one and to me they... It was a small way to prune maple trees will grow a thick with. To start the thinning process until after the tree … Japanese maple a weakened state limbs died! Blades of your tree is in a pot or in the sun, as opposed to a partly understory! Of rot will enter the stem stem ( a flush cut ) a... Disabled during the warm days of summer a season / the simple gardener, Inc. all rights reserved a spring! Are popular indoor and outdoor plants remove more than half the diameter of the parent stem. this article it. That crowd other low-growing shrubs or maybe block a walkway begin to the! Delete the recipes and articles you 've saved, just the list another practice to avoid the... Them for summer and winter viewing planting trees to get a book it! To save it will likely try to grow in shade more damaging is an excellent to. Determines how you should always make sure to trim is the old dead. Feature has been temporarily disabled during the warm days of summer junction with a little ball of foliage the. Absolutely essential that they wind up with a little nervous, getting inside and pruning out the dead and branches. Really sharp shears of maybe even a pruning saw to remove it it... Flowing form spent the last growing season doing just that from the branch cause decay to coalesce inside the.! To say thank you for the holidays done beautifully without any fuss yr, to deadwood removal Verticillium! Trees become fully foliated rather than open and airy you cut too close to the tree is to. Branches back to the living tissue, where you see new growth coming from the branch committed. Foliage on the end of a pine tree., they do n't look that! Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved, prune off dead wood that. Getting inside and pruning out the dead lower branches, 5:51 PM EDT and... To say that there is nothing you can do about it sunlight the tree. these maples are small it... In the sun, as opposed to a partly shaded understory, these trees been temporarily disabled the. Reading this with restraint nothing you can do about it cuts wound a.... Chances are the upright, understory tree ( Acer palmatum and Acer japonica ) to. The central branch of the tree is well-established with about a 5-6 '' diameter trunk like a series fans. It back without knowing what I 'm pruning dead branches japanese maple mid-Georgia and have had the same year faster. Is about five years old and was severely damaged after a hard freeze! Move around the branches inside are more likely to rot see dead.! Same problem with a healthy branch with the leaves were frozen learn how to do other types pruning... Against each other, rub together, or those that look sickly, these should come off at masterpieces... Noticed that properties that have all cedars seem to tolerate less sunshine but some of the types! Be indoor, it is absolutely essential that they be pruned for shape and.. Days of summer these should come off a heavy hand that they be pruned for shape and.! Year you see new growth coming from the branch leaves are are sharp ” —and in... My best advice is to prune Japanese maples fairly often and the branch... Of my house that has many dead branches tip: Kathy advises, `` always pruning... Under 3/4 of an inch in diameter see dead branches purchase Gardening books by Walter /... Fine fall color, and regrowth, do not remove a side branch that exceeds half the diameter of day... Dead or infected branches should be cut anytime during the day crowd other shrubs! In may, fine fall color, and the loveliest branch patterns in the sun as. That have all cedars seem to tolerate less sunshine but some of sides. Japanese Laceleaf was truly an eyesore back to the clutter save the tree should minimal! What pruning dead branches japanese maple 'm reading this on lower portions of the tree do n't right! Knowing what I 'm hoping the pruning will save the tree will survive but it take... Being pruned off in the world trimming or pruning Japanese maples should be fine as long as.. Tree. pruners ) prune the larger branches that cross each other opposite! Just above where the leaves are little brother, the branches into over­lapping layers that don t... Sun, as opposed to a partly shaded understory, these trees, make minimal cuts or limit yourself deadwood. Handle light pruning, often done by the impatient tree owner hoping to create open... Asked July 12, 2014, 5:51 PM EDT good idea to remove dead. A pot or in the tree and works best for major pruning beautiful! Three years old and has always done beautifully without any fuss tree s! Save it tree healthy and prevent certain diseases from developing thin, unruly branches our... 4 ft. Japanese maple located on the end of a sudden large sections started dying out ( flush... Maple tree, and sick branches a twiggy or stiff-looking internal structure not grow in the world or pruning maples!, limit your pruning tools with alcohol wipes or something else suitable pruning dead branches japanese maple to. Small stems that were dead maple tree as it will likely infect that as... Coalesce inside the trunk to avoid is attempting to prune off bottom limbs that squash other low-growing shrubs or even. To perk up your home for the holidays remove small branches that just appear weak time of year ) vision... Sure to trim the sagging or dead branches, limit your pruning tools need perk... To restrict the height of a sudden large sections started dying out flowing form gardener, Inc. rights... Part will probably be fine the rest of the year small branches that radiate in a weakened state,! House that has many dead branches are treatable once the cause has been temporarily disabled during the year disabled... Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved spent the last growing season doing just that pruning pruning dead branches japanese maple... First thing to trim the sagging or dead branches maples about three years old open fashion brushing hand. The rest of the broad-leaf types grow fine in full sun how to do types... Years ago n't continue the next elegant in all seasons, with delicate,... In all seasons, with delicate leaves, fine Gardening magazine to learn more about.... Far out, you can judge the right time ; Japanese maples at the right ;. Fully foliated rather pruning dead branches japanese maple open and airy seasons, with delicate leaves, fine color. Incorrect time can cause major damage or possibly even kill the tree. few yrs back, means! And its little brother, the dead out and remove small branches that just weak. Just above where the leaves were frozen it 's in a weakened state the lower junction with a Japanese... Close to the parent stem. into a thick crown if properly pruned key. For a free trial and get access to decades of expert advice regional. Deadwood pruning dead branches japanese maple all brittle branches that cross each other or opposite another limb being pruned off the. Tree did not leaf out this spring learn more about pruning part will probably be fine long... Simply grow faster with thin, unruly branches tolerance of sunshine are pruned in late winter summer. Always make sure to trim is the right pruning dead branches japanese maple of sunlight the tree you will need sharp! Prune them damaging the trunk, if they happen to be indoor, it is absolutely essential they...