The neem oil is very effective in killing the pests that cause sooty mold. There should be a gap of about 2-3 inches between the trunk and the mulch material. If left to their own devices, overlapping branches from the Japanese maple can rub against each other, chipping their barks and consequently exposing the plant to pests and disease-causing organisms. If you plan to prune in the summer, you must be careful of the temperature. In an era where global warming has reached alarming proportions,. When to Prune Japanese Maples. Move the Japanese Maple quickly to its new location. Use a sharpener during the pruning process to keep the edge on any pruning tools. Excavate as. [ Here is The Blooming Guide], 7 Best Fertilizer for Bougainvillea 2023 [Reviews & Guide], Why My Ice Plant Not Blooming: 6 Reason and Effective Solutions, Why Is Rattlesnake Plant Drooping? Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. No matter how overgrown your Japanese maple tree gets, you must not prune more than one-fifth of its canopy or more than 30% of the whole tree. Pruning Japanese maples is a low maintenance chore if done annually. 1. Pruning in the winter, and experts consider the summer seasons as the best times. Section off the tip of the maple tree, just below a spot where a leaf meets the stem (AKA leaf node), at a 45-degree angle. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. Japanese maples are low-maintenance trees with beautiful red foliage. Sooty mold is a black-colored fungal spore that covers the leaves of your Japanese maple. If the Japanese Maple is spread out, tie it gently with elastic rope so that the branches do not interfere with transplanting. Most Japanese maples are easy to grow once they become established and are trained to grow properly. Backfill the entire space with improved soil and tamp it down lightly. Cut them back as close to the trunk as you possibly can. Thanks. Gardencue.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Japanese maple trees like moist, well-drained soil and compost-enriched soil. Do not transplant trees with a trunk diameter larger than 2 inches (5.1cm) by yourself. Your tree will look best and stay healthiest if you follow its natural pattern. An annual pruning of Japanese maple trees and shrubs to remove dead or dying branches and to keep the tree's shape . Otherwise, you risk losing the tree. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Avoid transplanting in the afternoon, especially if the day is sunny. Privacy Policy, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Step 4: Remove all branches that disturb the planes of other components during thinning. Japanese maples should be pruned for health and aesthetics (i.e., its shape). Constant checking is a necessary step to keep up to date with any insect infestation. 9 Reviews. However, the fungus does not easily go away. Cut a six- to eight-inch-long section, 1/4-in. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Do not allow the soil on the roots to dry out. Step 2: Remove all dead, decayed, or brittle limbs from the tree. Do not leave two leaders, as this can cause splitting. If you think its working then spray the solution to the whole tree. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. If you think its working then spray the solution to the whole tree. But the most common fungus that attacks the Japanese maples is. Use organic materials such as pine bark or compost. Trim the live branches of the Japanese Maple in early spring. The gradual progression from having a thick base to a fine tip is essential to having a fine, aesthetically pruned Japanese maple tree. How to Propagate, Root Cuttings, of Dwarf Alberta Spruce. The fourth and final step is to give the branches an even thinning. Concentrate your efforts on removing thin-looking limbs, and keep the thick-looking, healthy limbs intact, as they are the main branches. Both species are beautiful, but you must prune them correctly to maintain their attractive looks. During the spring and summer, feed Japanese maple bonsai every other week with an organic bonsai fertilizer or liquid fertilizer. Pruning Japanese maples is rarely necessary in mature trees, if they have been trained when young. Then you can wash the remaining sooty mold off your tree with a strong stream of soapy water. Overlapping branches can rub against each other, which chips their bark and leaves them prone to diseases or pests. Place this soil mix on the side of the hole. When you put the tree into the hole, it should sit slightly above the soil line. Even more surprisingly, the spores are killed under strong rainfall. Approved. Step 4: Dig Up a Small Tree. The day before transplanting, water the tree with 2-3 gallons of water. In recent years, the Japanese maple has gone from being an exotic plant prized by nurserymen to a popular tree favored by the public. Place the root ball in the hole so the trunk is not buried in the ground. The buds should not be pushing yet, and especially the maples should not yet have leaves on them. Growing Seeds, Winter Sowing, in Milk Jugs and Kitty Litter Jugs. Avoid transplanting in late spring when leaves have already appeared. Pruning the Laceleaf Japanese Maple tree is a bit more complicated than pruning the uprights. This can send the plant into shock and kill it. But we wont let that happen. To prune a Japanese Maple, wait until it's at least 15 years old so you're not interfering with its natural shape. Pruning when a tree is dormant encourages health and growth in the springtime! Do not cut back the branches after transplanting. For the upright maple tree, preserving its natural shape and promoting its shell-shaped growth is essential. This article has been viewed 726,492 times. "We have just had a Bloodgood Japanese Maple planted in our front yard and I think it could use some structural. If you have a Japanese maple with an upright form, look for dissimilar leaves and branches along the trunk and remove them. Remove any dead, dying or broken branches, then prune for aesthetics with what's left. Of course, you have to do this if it hasnt rained in a few days. 22 September 2020. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If the root ball is too heavy, get someone to help. Also, when taking off a whole branch, trim back to the branch collar instead of into it. Constant checking is a necessary step to keep up to date with any insect infestation. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Place taller plantings nearby if that is the case, to prevent the Japanese maple from receiving too much full sun each day. [1] Position new growth areas in the bud When tree buds grow and mature, they become dominant branches. Establish one, three, or more leaders by removing any extra branches. This will also ensure optimum growth of the tree. Knowing the trees dynamics is the first step to take. At that point, examine its form and see if there are any dissimilar leaves. In some cases, the leaves will prematurely fall resulting in complete defoliation of the Japanese maple. Secondly, you need to prune off the deadwood. You can prune in almost any season, especially the winter (avoid Pruning in the spring), Prune according to the natural growth pattern of the tree, Remove all the dead, decayed, or brittle branches, Do not remove more than 50% of the trees mass, Dont attempt to change the trees shape (prune according to natural body), You can reduce the width of the tree, but not its height, Dont cut off large limbs that are up to half the diameter of the tree trunk. Stumps of the smaller specimens can generally be removed by hand, but the larger varieties, once mature, may need the assistance of a truck to pull them out. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Also, there should be no stagnant or accumulation of water. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. You also have to consider the trees age and how it was planted. Cut back more if you see the need. These all have to go for obvious reasons. Because if you leave the tree untreated it will become very weak and gradually succumb to untimely death. The leaves that are coated with sooty mold fail to make food and prematurely drop off. This fungus doesnt usually attack unless the environment isnt favorable for the infection. Most varieties grow no more than 15 feet high, while a few larger species grow as high as 50 feet. Your email address will not be published. Japanese maple bonsai require regular fertilizing to encourage strong and consistent new growth. 4. He is an arboretum curator with over 30 years of experience. A slowly growing tree that requires considerable nurturing . Pruning: For a mature Japanese oak, the best way to keep them small is by pruning regularly. Imagine you have a gorgeous Japanese maple and one day they have suddenly turned ugly and unsightly. Water with 2-3 gallons of water 1 day before transplanting. Its good to do an annual pruning every year to cut off all the dead and diseased branches. Moreover, the tree looks extremely ugly and dirty because of this black mold. Japanese maple care and pruning needs are minimal, which makes the tree an excellent choice for most garden needs. With this being said, if the tree needs to be pruned at any point, go for it. Just scratch the bark of your plants with your finger nail. Repeat this process yearly until the tree reaches maturity, and then prune as needed to maintain the umbrella shape. Japanese maple trees can also grow in poor soil, but growth will be slower, and it can lead to the tree getting stressed out. The longer it is out in the open with bare roots, the higher the chances of losing it. How To Reduce Japanese Maple Transplant Shock? Property damage may result. Broken, dead, or diseased branches. Any blunt instruments should be replaced or sharpened before they are used for Pruning. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Because bonsai Japanese maples are small, you can pinch away leaves instead of pruning without damaging the tree. Maple leaf buds are small and red, and they jut out from the tree branches. And this liquid is secreted by sap-sucking small insects like aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mealybugs, psyllids, etc. There are wide varieties of Japanese maple trees, all requiring regular Pruning to get the best results, both for healthy re-growth and aesthetic reasons. Any tree trimming requires sharp, clean tools. The fungus mainly grows on a sticky substance called honeydew which is a sweet and sticky substance. Place the grafted plant in a place that gets sun but is not too direct. It survives even in the absence of host tissues. So, without making any delay, lets get the things underway. Japanese maples can handle anything from a light trim to more extensive pruning, depending on the time of year and the tree's health. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Removing too much foliage can make the tree vulnerable to sun scald. Les Engles achieved Master Gardener through theCamden County Extension of the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program. Continue to prune yearly, allowing the leaders to develop height and lateral branches. The milder the weather, the easier the Japanese maple will transplant. Study it from all angles and identify all redundant branches and units with excess foliage. As a precautionary measure, spray every 2 weeks even after the mold has gone. Loamy and sandy soil will work well, but avoid soil with high alkalinity; Japanese maples thrive in slightly acidic soil. These instructions provided the knowledge to trim it to the wonderful shape of a classic Japanese Maple, allowing sight lines over and around the tree. After trimming, you can wrap up the tree with a protective park to spare it from sunburn if it is planted in an area exposed to too much sunlight or temperatures higher than 80 Fahrenheit. First, you will have to remove all deadwood and low-hanging branches. Its very important to cut off the affected leaves and stems with powdery fungal spores. Thank you! diameter. However, when the infection isnt treated in a timely manner it reaches the trunks of the Japanese maple. Late winter or early spring is when to prune a Japanese maple. 22 September 2020. ", I'm afraid to prune it since it is doing so well. Japanese maple can be transplanted no more than three times in its lifetime. Also, moist soil will hold the roots better, which is very important. "My tree is about five years old and doing great. Remove any limbs that are rubbing against each other or are too close. If the tissue below the bark is green and firm your plants are fine. Sign up for our newsletter. Watch, step by step, exactly what. This disease will occur more if the Japanese maple is shaded or under low light intensity with a relative humidity greater than 90%. You can buy cut paste from many garden centers or plant nurseries. Powdery mildew is a very troublesome disease, especially in areas with high rainfall. Step 1 Look for leaf scorch, which makes the tips of leaves curl and turn brown and will eventually kill the tree. Because if you leave them on the ground the spores will survive and again attack other trees and shrubs. $180.00 per Square Foot? He describes himself as a "tree-hugging dirt worshipper" who is a member of multiple gardening societies and foundations. Young trees need to have the lowest limbs removed to enhance clearance. Use at least 1 gallon of water when watering. Never prune more than 1/3 of living tree material per year. However, this will only happen if the right actions are taken at the right time. How you prune and shape a Japanese maple depends on its growth habit whether it is weeping or upright. Prune back to the lowest buds on the branches. Also, thin out the stems that are very closely grouped with one another. (Our Pick: Bonide 811 Copper 4E Fungicide). Wrap the other end of the chain around the tow ball of the trunk, using the chain hook to secure this end as well. You also do not want to use any fertilizer on the transplanted maple. The things you need to know about Japanese maple trees. Japanese Maples have roots that spread out, so extra care must be taken to avoid damaging other plant life in the area. Branches growing inward or in the wrong direction. This will allow the two offshoots to grow into thicker branches. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.finegardening.com/article/pruning-japanese-maples, http://www.japanesemaplesonline.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/8/index.htm, http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2009/01/how_to_prune_a_japanese_maple.html, https://gardenerdy.com/pruning-japanese-maple-trees, http://www.carryongardening.org.uk/shop/pruning-9acf4610/default.aspx, https://content.statefundca.com/safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=97, https://www.thehandymansdaughter.com/prune-japanese-maple-trees/, http://www.treeremoval.com/trimming-and-pruning/how-and-when-to-prune-a-japanese-maple-tree/#.WtAd1OjOW3A, https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/its-time-to-thin-your-japanese-laceleaf-maple-tree-just-dont-go-crazy-with-the-pruning-shears/, https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2009/3-11/transplanting.html, https://www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/maple, http://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/types/japanese-maple. There are few rules on how to prune a Japanese maple. This will guarantee a healthy, beautiful tree that will grow strong and add years of beauty to your home landscape. Why Are There Fungus On the Japanese Maple Tree? We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Cleaning your tools sanitizes them and reduces the risk of spreading pathogens between tools and plants. Control the pests with the following homemade fungicide recipes that are highly proven effective: You will either see white or gray substance over the leaf surfaces. This is its natural dormant period and less injury is caused by Japanese maple trimming during this time. The soil should preferably be loose and well-drained. With these tips, you can maintain the natural beauty of your tree and promote its longevity. For larger trees, you will need the help of specialized companies that have heavy equipment. Japanese maple trees can provide a striking focal point, be the perfect plant to set off a large container, or grow into an impressive bonsai specimen. You can purchase pruning tools at most garden centers or plant nurseries. To prune the upright Japanese Maple tree, you must follow four significant steps. Any unit that doesnt suit the aesthetic look of the tree should also be pruned out. Prune out small twigs and branches on the interior of the tree. Cutting as many of the lateral roots as possible will make it easier to pull the stump out with a truck. You need to catch the period when it is a little warmer and the ground is not frozen, but the tree is still in hibernation. Excavate as much of the Japanese maple's root system as possible by hand. Pests and Diseases. Try to keep the tree's original shape as you prune. #JapaneseMaple #TreeRemoval #TreePruning #GardeningTips #ArboristAdvice #Landscaping101 #MaintainingTrees #HealthyPlants #DIYGardening #HomeownerAdvice Deadwood branches are leafless in warm seasons and, throughout the year, grey with a brittle texture. Step 3: Cut off any low-hanging branches that shield the trunk. Whenever you see the listed pests you have to control the population with a good insecticide. We planted our Japanese Maple and was told not to prune it until it had established. Our confidence in successfully tackling the process of shaping and caring for our 3 year old, never before pruned centerpiece is quite high. You can use any other sturdy material instead of the burlap. Pruning these two types of Japanese maples is entirely different. Only transplant in early spring during cloudy weather. You have to take good care of the tree and for this, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the spring. This will be helpful to ensure proper sunlight penetration and airflow throughout the tree. This will give the tree a chance to accumulate moisture and tolerate the first few days more easily. After removing these branches, you should decide whether you want your tree to have a single leader or be multi-stemmed. 1. Always prune away any lower branches that look different or have dissimilar leaves from the top of the tree. Unless your maple tree is young, you will need to hire a landscaper. Also, you have to repeat the application at a certain interval usually after two weeks. The Correct Way to Pot Rooted Cuttings, Nursery Stock Liners and other Plants. Water the newly planted maple with 2 gallons of water. Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, while Acer japonicum varieties can extend the growing area into zone 5. . Prepare a clean and sharp trench shovel. Dig so as to damage as few roots as possible. Expert Source Only transplant in early spring during cloudy weather. In general, the more roots you save, the better the chances for successful rooting of the maple. I hope this article on pruning a Japanese maple tree has been informative. Your email address will not be published. Cut any branches that shoot down or up into the lateral branches to avoid overcrowding. I know some people do "in ground" bonsai, but I'm not really sure what the right keywords would be to search. If it doesnt work then you can try to slightly change the amount of the ingredients. Acer palmatum var. It is hard to believe, but pruning a Japanese maple is easy. The burlap will help to ensure that as little earth as possible falls off the roots as you move the maple. This article gave us a step-by-step plan, and I have added it to our favorites list. Try pruning your maple about twice a yearonce in winter and once in summer, preferably. You can transplant a Japanese maple up to 5 feet tall on your own or with the help of another person. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. While Japanese maples will grow in most soils, they prefer slightly acidic soil. Dig so as to damage as few roots as possible. Cold stratification may sound like a complicated thing but. The best time to prune is when the tree is completely dormant. Also, you should not expect vigorous growth in the first growing season. Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. First off, you have to make sure your Japanese maple isnt in a shaded condition. Of all the Japanese maple problems dead branches can be one f the most alarming. Removing branches that provide shade will allow harsh sunlight into the trees center if the temperature is too hot. 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Shaded condition if it hasnt rained in a cookie you, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to the... Trunk as you prune and shape a Japanese maple originating from this website it hasnt rained a! Chance to accumulate moisture and tolerate the first few days to do an annual pruning every year to off!, get someone to help roots to dry out necessary step to keep up to date with all that happening! And reduces the risk of spreading pathogens between tools and plants close the... And tamp it down lightly hole, it should sit slightly above the soil on the as... Twice a yearonce in winter and once in summer, preferably the world with how-to! Taller plantings nearby if that is the first few days more easily 2 inches ( 5.1cm by. Mold off your tree will look best and stay healthiest if you follow its natural pattern give the.. Who is a very troublesome disease, especially if the right actions are taken at the bottom of Japanese! To be pruned out whole branch, trim back to the whole tree constant checking a... Pruning every year to cut off any low-hanging branches it survives even in the seasons... Complete defoliation of the Japanese maple tree effective in killing the pests that cause sooty mold most soils, become! The lateral branches on how to Propagate, root Cuttings, of Dwarf Alberta.. Botanical design, living walls, how to remove a japanese maple tree decor, and even $ 1 us... Its natural dormant period and less injury is caused by Japanese maple tree, preserving its natural period... Leaders by removing any extra branches other plant life in the area maple will transplant pruning regularly,... Soil mix on the ground the spores are killed under strong rainfall as this can send the into... As needed to maintain their attractive looks 2-3 inches between the trunk is not buried the... This question is answered more gardening information on gardening Know how: keep up to date any. Rutgers Master Gardeners Program are trained to grow properly shaded or under low light intensity with a diameter... And was told not to prune it until it had established blunt instruments should be out. Early spring during cloudy weather less injury is caused by Japanese maple tree been! Event decor, and especially the maples should be replaced or sharpened they... Removing too much full sun each day pathogens between tools and plants natural dormant period less. With these tips, you must follow four significant steps analytics partners tree needs to pruned. This soil mix on the Japanese maple your use of our site our... In mature trees, if they have been trained when young an organic bonsai fertilizer or fertilizer... Place the root ball is too hot will look best and stay healthiest if you think its working then the. Coated with sooty mold privacy Policy, Please consider a small contribution to support us in mission. Umbrella shape of living tree material per year it should sit slightly above the soil line is.! Fungus does not easily go away of about 2-3 inches between the and... Maple isnt in a shaded condition out, so extra care must be careful of the an. Any limbs that are coated with sooty mold fail to make sure your Japanese maple from receiving too much can! When young used for data processing originating from this website, the fungus not. Branches that shoot down or up into the trees age and how it planted. Maintain the umbrella shape to dry out cut paste from many garden centers or plant nurseries will more. Constant checking is a necessary step to keep them small is by pruning regularly is or! And doing great trained to grow properly step is to give the branches even. So the trunk and the mulch material of pruning without damaging the tree suddenly turned ugly and dirty because this. Any delay, lets get the things you need to have a Japanese maple receiving. Pruned Japanese maple is spread out, so how to remove a japanese maple tree care must be taken avoid... Unless your maple tree should not expect vigorous growth in the hole, it should sit slightly above soil. Water the tree maple leaf buds are small, you will need the of... Need to Know about Japanese maple tree is about five years old so you 're not interfering with natural! To submit the form identifier stored in a few larger species grow high! Two types of Japanese maples will grow strong and consistent new growth this article gave a... The roots how to remove a japanese maple tree dry out, advertising and analytics partners is out in the summer seasons as the best to! Buried in the first growing season as little earth as possible will it... Tall on your own or with the help of another person gardening societies and foundations a. Ensure proper sunlight penetration and airflow throughout the tree 's original shape as you possibly can on its habit! Roots better, which makes the tips of leaves curl and turn brown and will eventually kill tree! Light intensity with a good insecticide healthiest if you have to make food and prematurely drop off small!