Japanese maples will ‘look incredible’ and ‘glorious’ when pruned at the ‘best time’

Japanese maple trees is beneficial for their overall aesthetic appeal and crucial for their health and durability in . However, you need to know the optimal time for pruning these stunning trees and employ the correct techniques.

The experts at Urban Forest Pro say the dormant winter months are the “best time” to prune most ornamental trees.

They suggested: “For Japanese maples, it is recommended to do structural pruning in the winter and wait until late spring, after the leaves come out, for fine pruning.

“Summer can also be a suitable time for removing larger branches and for removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood.”

Similarly, the professionals at Bright Lane Gardens propose winter as the prime time for pruning these trees.

They commented: “The best time to prune a Japanese maple tree is during the dormant season, which typically falls in winter to early spring.”

The experts highlighted the advantages of pruning during this period, including a clearer view of the tree’s structure due to the lack of leaves, enabling more precise pruning decisions so gardeners can “shape and rejuvenate the tree so it looks incredible.”

Matt and Tim of Mr.Maple also recommend pruning Japanese maples during early spring.

They said: “It’s a nurseryman trick to prune in the early spring since the immediate flush will create the glorious new growth as well as the most vibrant colours, increasing the overall health of your tree. 

Additionally, pruning during the dormant season imposes less stress on the tree, as its energy is stored in the roots and trunk, reducing the risk of damage to its overall health.

Many pests and diseases that target Japanese maples are inactive or dormant during winter, decreasing the likelihood of infestation or disease spread through pruning cuts.

However, gardeners must be careful not to overdo it, as excessive pruning during this period could lead to “reduced growth or stress” on the tree.

For Japanese maple owners wondering about the right pruning approach, always commence with dead, damaged, or diseased branches; these are “the first to go.” 

Removing these problematic branches promotes the tree’s health and staves off potential issues.

To enhance airflow and light exposure to the inner branches, selectively prune to thin the canopy, which is especially crucial in “reducing the risk of diseases” like powdery mildew and to “promote better growth”.

Remember to angle cuts slightly when making them. This prevents water from sitting on the cut area, which could cause problems.