prunung a dwarf japanese split leaf maple tree?

Answer 1

Maples are "bleeders" that is they weep a bit if pruned in spring. So I usually wait until summer to prune.

First rule is to remove all dead stuff. It's not coming back, get rid of it.

Then look at the plant and decide what form you are pruning to: weeping? vase? what? Keeping this in mind, you then move on to removing crossing branches, those that are rubbing and wounding one another. One has to go. Deciding which one isn't always easy, that's why you must keep the plant form in mind.
Also remove any branches that are in your way or brushing against other plants, building, etc. You want to cut back to the branch's beginning, not just stub it off.

Third remove any suckers from the bottom or new growth along the stem that is unwanted.

Fourth comes the tricky part. What are you trying to do? Reduce size, lighten the crown, what?? To achieve your goal you work thru the crown removing either whole branches or cutting back to a good strong lateral.......that is trace the offender back to where it attaches to another limb or branch, making your cut at that point. The remaining limb should be of similar size, you don't cut back a 2 inch branch to a 1/2 inch branchlette.

All this work is easier to do if you can get inside the plant. You can see much more from the inside out.

Finally I will run down each limb, thinning as I feel necessary so that each branch has "it's own space." I can often be heard uttering, "Uh Oh, you two guys can't grow into the same spot."

With Jap maples I may finish with some tip pruning, but it is always at the end to remove any overly dense foliage areas.

Sound hard? Not really. You mess up the first few times, but Mother Nature is forgiving and gives you another chance the next year.

Answer 2

Japanese Split Leaf Maple

Answer 3

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prunung a dwarf japanese split leaf maple tree?

Answer 4

I have seen Japanese Maples kept beautifully in pots for years. Something like large bonsai. They are usually in a semi shaded environment. If you have these in full sun on a hard surface this is your problem straight off. I would say its too little water. It is very easy to let pots dry out. (In the soil the moisture stays a lot longer). If it is a porous pot eg terracotta, seal the inside with a sealer designed for pots, (Unless you are in a very wet climate) this stops the water loss. Invest in some water storing crystals and mix into the potting mix as directed. Also to help get over transplant shock, and die-back try some seaweed extract. Its a great root tonic and is very gentle. Hope this is helpful.

Answer 5

I like to give nice thorough answers, but Fluffernut's beaten me to the punch.

I like that answer alot.

I couldn't have answered it any better, if I had done it myself.

Answer 6

Good. I see to many that are over grown.