skip to main content

Should I prune this japanese maple?

9 years ago

It's a 3 year graft Tamukeyama. I will stake the leader and grow it upright for several years. The branch coming off and going to the left is by far the longest. Can/should I prune it to help the tree do what I would like or should I leave it alone until the tree matures further?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
I wouldn't. Other than staking a leader (JM's do not have a true leader) for increased height if you wish, this little tree needs no further attention at this time. The natural habit of this cultivar is as a low growing,draping mound so branching will begin soon above the graft. You may decide to do some thinning or low branch removal down the road a few years but it is far too soon to do much now. The tree needs all the structure it has currently to support root development.
Related Professionals
Lafayette Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Beaumont Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Binghamton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · La Crosse Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Madison Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Columbus Landscape Contractors · Akron Landscape Contractors · Tacoma Landscape Contractors · Ottawa Landscape Contractors · Daytona Beach Architects & Building Designers · Cape Girardeau Architects & Building Designers · Rockford Architects & Building Designers · Marquette Architects & Building Designers · Eau Claire Architects & Building Designers · Leamington Architects & Building Designers

Related Stories

TREES 11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting

GARDENING GUIDES 12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden

The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Great Design Tree: Japanese Maple

By Annie Thornton

Lacy form and fiery fall color make Japanese maple a welcome tree for garden or patio

TREES Great Design Plant: Coral Bark Japanese Maple, a Winter Standout

By Paintbox Garden

Go for garden gusto during the chilly season with the fiery red stems of this unusual Japanese maple

GARDENING GUIDES 13 Japanese Maples for Shade

A surprising variety of these understory trees is waiting to make a statement in your shade garden

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why

WORLD OF DESIGN A Beginner’s Guide to the Japanese Tea Garden

By 舩村　佳織｜エノコロ庭園設計室

A small roji, or teahouse garden, offers a respite from everyday life. Why not make one part of your home garden?

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Amazing Small Maple Trees

There's more to maples than syrup. Expand your maple milieu with any of these 5 small and unusual trees

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Vine Maple

Exciting year-round color and adaptability make this highly ornamental native small tree a top choice for home gardens

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Paperbark Maple

With fall foliage like a sunset and bark the color of cinnamon, this tree is a highlight of the landscape

Sponsored