where are you ... is snow an issue.. as in shoveling ... does the soil drain???

ALL trees can be pruned ... it just depends on what your goals are ...

ken

Zone 7b in Fairfax, VA. We get snow in the winter but beyond a couple big ones here and there, the shoveling and piling up of snow isn’t really an issue. Or at least hasn’t been for the ground cover. But I guess that’s something to consider if I put a delicate plant near the edge. The soil drains easily in moderate rain but since it all slopes down from the road, the area near the corner or the driveway and walkway can collect a little in heavy rains. If I planted more in that area, maybe that would help absorb the water more? That’s why I originally planted the liriope by the walkway...but it doesn’t really absorb as much as I would have liked. Hmm...

I could see a large, interesting accent rock, maybe with a few hosta, or bright edged sedum like this.

I like to see texture contrasts. Some examples of what would look good with laceleaf Japanese maples are bergenia, hostas, coral bells, brunnera. If you go the hosta route, make sure you get ones that stay smaller so they don't over-power the Japanese maple.

Here are some pics from my old house to give you some ideas. Same area, different angles:

These are helpful, thanks!

Japanese maples have very delicate and sensitive root systems. You can do some serious damage to the tree if you disrupt them unnecessarily. IME, it is best to underplant them with any shrubs or larger growing perennials at the same time as you plant the tree to lessen the risk of root disturbance. Once they are established in place, I would only risk including shallow rooted groundcovers in the immediate vicinity, saving any larger growing or more deeply rooted plants for the peripheral areas.

As to the need or not for pruning, that is a personal decision :-) I tend to leave mine alone for the most part, only removing deadwood or conflicting branching. At most, I will lighten a heavy canopy or prune out branches to enhance the natural, usually sculptural, form of the tree. Wait for it to lose its leaves before you do so or wait until next June, which is really an ideal time to prune JM's.

Pruning just to reduce size is not recommended.

Good to know, thank you!

I like the idea of hostas, and Heuchera for come unique leaf colors, and then maybe something that is evergreen like Japanese spurge or bergenia.