should I prune the Japanese Maple I transplanted two weeks ago?

Question

We transplanted a small Japanese Maple tree about two weeks ago, and the leaves are all turning. It just looks really traumatized. Should I prune it back, so that it doesn't have to work so hard to recover, or will this cause it more trauma?

Answer 1

As a rule of thumb you can prune back 1/3 of the of the top of a plant when transplanting. This reduces the stress associated with root loss during transplant. It will not hurt the subsequent growth of the tree and will allow it to establish and start growing again much faster.

Answer 2

I'm not sure I'd recommend pruning a small tree - as that will directly affect how it grows and looks as it matures. More than likely it's transplant stress, which can be caused by not getting enough roots, not watering sufficiently, etc. Make sure it's getting sufficient water (about 1" per week) - putting a hose by the tree on a very slow drip will help the water percolate down to the roots. The deeper the water goes, the more the tree is encouraged to develop a deeper root system. You could try adding a fertilizer that is high in the last number (like 0-0-30) as that will encourage root growth. It also could just be the weather - if you're headed into Fall (not sure where you live) the combination of the transplanting and the weather may have triggered the tree to go dormant a little earlier than usual.
http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/manual/woody3.htm#A

Answer 3

I would not prune t now. Make sure that it is well placed in the ground bu pressing gently all around the base.
MAke sure it is well watered.
The leaves should be turning now. If they are really dried up I would be more concerned but if the colours are just turning it is going through it's correct cycle.
Depending on how cold you get where you are and whether the ground freezes,I would make sure to keep it gently watered until that time.
You could also buy some transplant fertiliser which encourages root formation.I forget names of some but they are all available at any nursery or big box store. There are some powders which are added at the time of planting and then liquids that are mixed with the water you use.
Good luck with your tree

Answer 4

This is about the time of year for Japanese maples (and all deciduous trees, actually) to be turning their leaves. I wouldn't prune it, because you want to get all of the energy from the leaves and stems to go down to the trunk and roots for next year's growth. Leave it alone and it should be fine next spring. If some branches don't sprout leaves in the spring, you can prune the dead wood then.

Answer 5

Assuming that you were able to keep the root ball relatively intact and watered it in well after you first planted it ...... it is very possible that the tree is stressed , prune the branches back a bit and spread some milorgonite fertilizer around the base of the tree that will nourish those roots when you water it.