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Pruning narrow crotches

8 years ago

I have two new maples that I would like some thoughts on. The first is a green upright is referred to as an ‘Orange flame’. It has two mains and in the pic you can see the one on the right (alongside the bamboo stake) has foliage that is directing over the other main (to the left) and in the same direction. What should I prune? I just planted out yesterday so I would probably wait until spring to prune; is that reasonable?

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Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Very little need to prune at all. Narrow crotches with Japanese maples are extremely common - typically, to be expected - and really have minimal impact on the growth of the tree, whereas pruning one of the current major stems would alter the appearance and habit of the tree significantly.

It is your choice but I wouldn't do it.
K Hutch
Original Author
8 years ago
The other is a yezo nishiki. You can see it has a split up higher that may be less concerning than the one in my above post. Thoughts here? I love this one! Look at the leaves:)
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