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"topping"acers
I would like to plant some Japanese acers, which, although said to be slow growing, can eventually reach many metres in height. Has anybody any experience of "topping" acers to limit their height - would this just kill them? The idea is not to block off neighbour's light. Thank you.
Last edited: 12 November 2016 21:03:23
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I have cut mine back successfully for the same reason as yourself. I do it when they are dormant and they soon regenerate.
They will take years to become a substantial size. There are dwarf varieties if you would like one for a border or rockery area - all the beauty in a small package.
Winter prune is the way forward, as Ladybird said, or they will leak sap.
I have one at my driveway gate and have cut it back every winter for 25 years. That keeps it to more of a bushy shrub about 4 feet high.
Last edited: 12 November 2016 22:14:18
Thank you all for your very helpful replies. Diolch yn fawr.