The best time to prune your Japanese maple tree

New for 2024!
In this video I show you how to prune your Japanese maple tree in late winter before the buds open up. I do this all in real time with very detailed instructions and technique.
I prune two different trees, both container grown.
I have before and after pruning photo's of the Pixie towards the end of the video
Thanks for watching!

[@lucassnell4668]

Your videos and channel are a wealth of knowledge, thank you!

[@maplesandmusic]

thanks for the kind words!

[@sammysworld5485]

Hi Otto would be nice to see a tour of all your different Japanese Maple collection. Also would to know if you have a particular favorite. TY

[@maplesandmusic]

That is actually the next video I will be making. Just waiting for all of the leaves to open up on all the trees. Then I will do a walk about of our entire collection and how we have them planted through out our gardens. I should get going with that by mid April
Personal favorite? likely the "Seiryu"

[@bennyhana3556]

great vid !

[@maplesandmusic]

thank you!

[@Maples-and-cats]

So nicely explained...!!!

[@maplesandmusic]

thanks, I appreciate that

[@apleparulo3958]

Hi, thanks for the video! You mention to keep the basic shape of the tree. I just got an acer Moonrise that is B&B and has a trunk nearly the size of the trees shown in this video. It needs pruning and there are two large stems coming off the main trunk right near the bottom. Is it ok to trim off one or both of those larger branches when I do the pruning? If so I would be changing the basic shape and form of the tree. Thanks very much.

[@maplesandmusic]

Yes, you can trim and cut to the desired look and shape you want to create. Just make sure you do the pruning when your tree is dormant in the late fall / winter

[@Rolandooo7]

Recently came across your videos and very helpful. Good clear video here too, thanks. Wondering, I have three small Acers in those garden center containers and ready to do small pruning this year, do you need to treat the pruning cuts with anti-fungus or something else similar? I once read somewhere especially Acers could have a tendency to get trouble from pruning cuts, so cinnamon is put on those cuts for anti-bacterial treatment? Is that true and or necessary? Does it help or harm the cuts in acers? Thanks in advance

[@maplesandmusic]

Your maples will need nothing at all in terms of treatment after cutting. We have never applied any type of fungicide or other similar compound in all our years of operating our nursery when it comes to pruning. To this day we still never apply anything, and that applies to young maples as well as all of our old established trees that are in the ground and still in containers.

[@Rolandooo7]

@@maplesandmusic thanks so much for your quick response! Good to hear, I will just follow your advice, cheers!

[@Trenpace]

If I have a tree that is in leaf. Should I bring inside if Temps drop to say 25 degrees overnight but not staying that temp for extended period? Thanks

[@maplesandmusic]

My first question would be, that would be a severe weather change, as the tree would not normally leaf out if it had been outside all winter. In cooler growing areas japanese maples tend to open later in spring then other warmer growing locations.
On the other hand, if you have had a tree in an indoor protected location ( greenhouse for example) and then placed the tree outside it likely would have foliage well ahead of an outdoor growing tree.
In that case I would try to move the tree to a protected location if possible.
We have seen dramatic cold weather systems here even in May and Early June ( near freezing point) and the trees have all been fine outdoors as they always seem to adapt.
Of course there can be a severe circumstance and then we are all left at the mercy of mother nature.

[@gregpendrey6711]

On the Simpsons Marge called it 'foilage'. That was memorable. I hope my comment finds you in good spirits. I'm now in Cle Elum and the climate is cold as the Snoqualmie Summit and I always lived in Seattle so yes a short season. I looked you up for pruning as my Sago Kaku from Fred Meyer made it through in the ground. My Blood good also from Freddy's in a pot on my terrace was toast. Anyway my Coral Bark was the runt at the nursery section and is super congested and looks like the brush on my robo vac after a bout with the carpet fringe. It's June 7th so I'm mustering courage by watching you do it. Wish me luck. Edited for spelling. Thank you, G 😎

[@maplesandmusic]

@@gregpendrey6711 Very descriptive! Good luck then!