How to PROPERLY PRUNE a Japanese Maple Tree | Acer palmatum 'Katsura'

Follow along as I demonstrate how to properly prune a Japanese Maple tree using an Acer palmatum 'Katsura' as an example.
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[@judithcollins2436]

Thank you :) I'm inspired to add another maple to my yard.

[@JonnyMaple]

You're welcome - there is always room for one more!

[@d2aqua861]

Video for each tree since they're all unique in their own way.

[@JonnyMaple]

I hope to do more pruning videos for various Japanese Maple tree types in the future for sure!

[@jesusarmendariz9128]

Thank you for sharing Jonny,good information .

[@JonnyMaple]

You're welcome!

[@ferrydejagher2033]

Nice and clear video!!

[@JonnyMaple]

Thanks!

[@annlyder8657]

Thank you x

[@razor2ts]

Best time to prune a Japanese maples is late spring after the first flush of leaves have hardened off & the sap flow has slowed right down, not before.

[@boabysands123]

While I agree with your logic for how close to cut the small branches, I've also seen competent Acer and Bonsai growers advise in such removal cuts, something much more like a stub cut. The idea being to allow some space for the tree's natural dieback at a cut wound.
It looks untidy and wrong, but they will return the next year to tidy up the cuts with a cut closer to the stem joint once the trees sealing/consolidation has settled.
I'm still considering and testing both approaches, myself, as it's my first year having responsibility for the care of a few acers. All part of the learning process.
I rewatched the relevant section and heard you mention the issue of leaving some space for dieback. The difference I'm seeing now is that the other demonstrations left easily 2cm of a stub for the dieback. Interesting...

[@JonnyMaple]

Thanks for that info.

[@slane_design]

looks nice! why did you leave the third one on the bottom that doesnt have any leaves?

[@JonnyMaple]

It does have a branch coming off of it with leaves that you cannot see in the video.

[@Akatsuki-En]

Like 100 whoop whoop

[@TS50ER]

Still somewhat confused as to when is the best time to prune. If you have a shaggy-looking tree now (May) , are you to wait until the buds are just breaking in spring the following year to prune?

[@Maples-and-cats]

You will ask 10 different people and you will get 10 different opinions about pruning.

[@TS50ER]

@@Maples-and-cats Truth.

[@JonnyMaple]

You can prune now and should still be fine, but the best time is around late February or early March.