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Pruning is an essential job when it comes to looking after Japanese maples , yet many gardeners are left puzzled about how to tackle it correctly. Wrong pruning can "destroy their beautiful shape and foliage", cautioned gardening expert Jessica Walliser from Savvy Gardening. By mastering the proper method and timing to trim these trees, you can boost their beauty and preserve their health and structure. Whatever type of Japanese maple you have, the pruning requirements , approach, and timing stay consistent, the expert confirmed. To maintain the tree's health and make it "more beautiful", properly timed trimming is essential, Jessica recommended, sharing some simple advice on when to prune Japanese maples. She noted: "The best time of year to prune any living wood is late autumn to mid-winter (November through to January). I don't prune my Japanese maple any time after January." Unlike most other deciduous trees that can be trimmed during dormancy, maples shouldn't be pruned in late winter. Jessica clarified: "If pruning occurs in late winter, the wounds weep sap." Whilst this won't harm the tree, it might draw insects, and the pruning cuts may remain open for longer, raising the chance of disease exposure. Working out when to prune Japanese maples can be somewhat tricky, particularly as spring and summer trimming should be steered clear of. The initial step is to cut away any dead wood, which is typically found on the tree's lower side. It's vital to inspect the underside of the tree, as this is often where most of the deadwood gathers. If there's new growth on your Japanese maple that doesn't align with the rest of its growth, it needs to be pruned off to preserve the tree's distinctive shape. The expert cautioned that side branches stretching far from the trunk should only be removed "unless it is absolutely necessary", as they are "much better off growing to their natural form."
