Acer Pruning Advice
Dave Humby
Posts: 1,145
We have a rather attractive Acer that has been pruned in a semi-espalier style (if there's such a thing / correct terminology?) over the years by previous owners of the property. I think this has been done primarily to keep it clear of the drive. See below
A few weeks ago I took out some dead limbs and this highlighted some of the branches growing out to the left (as viewed) are rather lacking in growth along their length. I am toying with the idea of reducing one or two of them back to a growth point which would give a bit more balance to the tree. Below I have highlighted where I'm considering cutting back to
The lower of the two limbs could come back to either of the marks. I was really just looking for advice on whether this is an acceptable idea as I don't want to cause any problems for the tree as we both really like it. I've read that now onwards is a good time to do such a prune as the sap levels are reduced.
I would appreciate any thoughts / guidance to a novice please!
many thanks
Posts
Hi Dave - I'm considering doing some more pruning of a couple of my acers.
My understanding with acers is that they can bleed badly following any significant pruning, unless it's done in the dead of winter when they're completely dormant.
I usually tackle mine in Dec or Jan.
Wouldn't want you to loose such a lovely tree.
I would think you can cut to where you want, but ideally cut back to where you can see a bud or smaller branch that can 'take over' to maintain the shape. Better not to do too much pruning in one season.
I'm no acer expert, but I'm sure one will be along soon.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Thanks Pete. Yes, I'm planning to cut back to an area of existing growth which is why I have been looking at it now so I can see the tree in leaf. I will wait a couple of months so it's dormant as you suggest. I will probably put a couple of tie-wraps in the position I want to reduce the limbs back to so I know where to cut when it is not in leaf.
Thanks Verdun. I'm on the south coast so similar climate to yourself I guess. I'll make a mental note to do this job when I do my second prune on the wisteria in early Jan.
Am I ok to go ahead and do the pruning in these frosty conditions?
Thanks and Merry Christmas everyone.
Hi Dave - I done mine yesterday
Merry Christmas to you and yours too.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Thanks Pete. Wisteria second prune and tidying up of my two acres today it is then ?
A lovely day for it
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Hi
I am a complete beginner in gardening. Having taken over gardening duties from my husband. We have three acers and 18months ago we had two gardeners come and snipped off the ends of our acers consequently the shape has altered with a lot of tiny side shoots. After taken advice from specialist shrub growers I was told to go back to the main branch and take out all the side shoots that have bushed out, in the late spring. I haven't done that yet. I did cut some of them back early this year, but don't know if I am doing this right. How can we restore our lovely acers to their former glory.
Thank you for any help you can give me
Christine
Thanks in anticipation Jeff