@B3 always cut "to" something , a bud or pair in the case of acers a main stem or branch etc .. shortening a thick branch to a pair of buds should encourage finer branches to sprout.
Yes - I should have made that clear @Allotment Boy, but @nutcutlet had stated it earlier on, so I didn't think to mention it. It'll be interesting to see how those ones you mentioned get on, but it's always difficult to judge because areas can vary so much, and it seems to be getting even harder to judge conditions with any accuracy. We're fortunate that, despite much milder winters here for the last few years, it's still cold enough for shrubs and trees to be properly dormant for ages, so the problem doesn't arise. We had a group of Acers where I worked. They were regularly pruned at this time of year, and often later, without any problems.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
@Fairygirl I have often been asked to prune mature shrubs that have just got too big. Sometimes it just isn't possible without a degree of risk. As you say regularity of pruning makes all the difference.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Indeed @GardenerSuze. There are times when things just have to be done. In your circumstances, if a client wants a shrub hacked back, and you give them the info about the potential risks, then they can't complain if the shrub then turns up it's toes
A gradual approach is always better, but then again - hindsight is also a great gift
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
We had a group of Acers where I worked. They were regularly pruned at this time of year, and often later, without any problems.
Oh yes this is what D was saying at Capel, normally you would expect to be safe to mid March at least. I think we're all in agreement you just have to judge it for yourself. @B3 I think you will just have to bite the bullet and go for it. But if you're going to do it, do it very soon.
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It'll be interesting to see how those ones you mentioned get on, but it's always difficult to judge because areas can vary so much, and it seems to be getting even harder to judge conditions with any accuracy.
We're fortunate that, despite much milder winters here for the last few years, it's still cold enough for shrubs and trees to be properly dormant for ages, so the problem doesn't arise.
We had a group of Acers where I worked. They were regularly pruned at this time of year, and often later, without any problems.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
A gradual approach is always better, but then again - hindsight is also a great gift
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
@B3 I think you will just have to bite the bullet and go for it. But if you're going to do it, do it very soon.
Forgot to hit post🙄