Forum home Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

"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

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    I have cut mine back successfully for the same reason as yourself. I do it when they are dormant and they soon regenerate.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • AuntyRachAuntyRach Posts: 5,291

    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. 

    My garden and I live in South Wales. 
  • Joyce21Joyce21 Posts: 15,489

    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

    SW Scotland
  • Thank you all for your very helpful replies. Diolch yn fawr.

Sign In or Register to comment.