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Maple tree pruning and reshaping, for dummies... :)

stringping55stringping55 Posts: 9
in Problem solving
Hello, I hope everyone is well and safe :).
I wish to reduce and somewhat reshape my large-ish palmate acer.  It's getting a bit big and I wonder if anyone of you experts might be able to indicate, perhaps by simple lines on my pics, where I might trim/prune safely?  I'd like to bring the total height down to about 2 feet above the fence top.  It was growing into the cherry tree next to it and I've already taken the 2 offending large branches out.  I don't want to go any further without some reassurance from someone who knows.  I'd very much appreciate advice :)
Many thanks for looking,
Rich :)
Dickydiner

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited April 2021
    I would not take the height down and advise you not to! Instead if you want to tidy it up you could thin the small twiggy branches from the lower third of the tree.

    Whatever you decide to do, I would always try and cut back to another stem, and avoid leaving stubs.

    Some info here (don't prune in spring, it says): Pruning Acers - How & When To Prune Japanese Maples - GardenSeeker.com
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    They are not so happy being pruned and tend to develop fungal diseases. Naturally they grow as understorey plants, and are happiest underneath the canopy of taller trees. I hope yours makes it--fingers crossed.
  • stringping55stringping55 Posts: 9
    Thank you Loxley and Cambridgerose12, I very much appreciate your advice and shall act on it.  Hopefully, I shall be able to post a pic showing it in all it's glory, come Autumn.
    Be well and safe,
    Rich :)

    Dickydiner
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    edited April 2021
    I have said many times on this site.  The Japanese prune Acers in all 4 seasons but not very late winter or early spring when the sap is rising.  However you must not make large structural cuts except in winter when the tree is fully dormant.  Even then do not make large reductions in  one attempt,  it may be possible to reduce your tree height but you would have to do it slowly over several seasons. You have missed the chance to do any structural cuts this year, ( till  the end of the year anyway) you can safely trim smaller branches from late May, but only to tidy it up. The only exception is any obviously dead branches ( very pale brown or white). 
    AB Still learning

  • stringping55stringping55 Posts: 9
    Thank you Allotment Boy, I appreciate your very good advice, I shall work with it and hopefully will not have done too much damage!
    Rich
    Dickydiner
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