‘Correct’ time of year to prune Japanese maples or risk unsightly ‘bleeding’

is an essential job, performed throughout the year to ensure the garden stays nice and healthy.

Not only that, keeping on top of the size of a tree or shrub can also help to improve its appearance.

According to the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Japanese maples are particularly prone to bleeding, so it’s important to prune at the “correct” time to prevent it.

The right time to prune acers is now after the leaves have fallen but before January, according to the pros.

The experts said: “Bleeding is when sap leaks from a wound or pruning cut on a tree, shrub or woody climber.

“You can notice sap oozing from the wound directly after pruning, or you may simply notice staining sometime later where the sap has flowed down and wetted the bark.”

It’s recommended to prune maple trees now to try to prevent bleeding, as well as ensuring you prune correctly.

The experts explained: “Simply remove badly placed or crossing shoots to encourage a good framework of branches to grow.

“Where you do need to reduce height and width, follow long branches back to a side branch and prune it out at this point.

“This is not necessary on prostrate-growing trees because they should be allowed to spread naturally to gain the best effect.

“Always prune back to a well-placed side branch. Do not leave a stub as this is often prone to decay and dieback.”

When pruning, gardeners are advised to make sure they use clean and disinfected secateurs to make clean cuts.

It’s also best to prune at an angle so that any water falls off and doesn’t sit on the top.

For young trees, prune them to around 16 inches in the first winter, and then in the second winter, prune out dead shoots while shortening the main ones.

In the third winter, remove very low branches and shoots growing into the centre of the tree.