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Hana Matoi japanese maple pruning advise needed

13 years ago

Hi, I have a young Hana maple that I have planted in a bed in my garden. Its seems very happy in this spot but I have a question about pruning. One of the limbs of the plant is growing at a very rapid rate. The maple itself is only about 10 in high at this point but this one limb has grown about 30 in since it was planted in the spring of this year. None of the other limbs are growing at this rate. This 30 in limb is obviously on the ground. Should I prune this one long growth or leave it be for now? If i do prune it how much of it should I cut off? Thanks. I can post a picture if it would help to answer.

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Comments (3)

bobbyp68
Original Author
13 years ago
Here's a pic
agathafroo
12 years ago
I think you should prune it, as it's putting quite a bit of energy into that one loooooong branch, but I recommend you wait until the maple is leafless and dormant---later in fall or early winter---to prune. You'll also have a better sense of branch structure and the role, if any, the crazy branch should play.

Beyond the part that's touching the ground, you may remove as much or as little of that branch as you find aesthetically pleasing.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 years ago
OK - that's just a little bit weird :-)) I would really want to know what caused that very aberrant growth but I would not hesitate to remove it. And now is fine.

I would remove it as far as is practical but within keeping with the overall appearance of the rest of the tree. And be sure to cut back at a growth node - don't leave a stub.

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