Alan Titchmarsh explains how to prune an Acer tree
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Japanese maples are some of the most frequently photographed trees in the world and the really striking ones draw people to gardens across the globe. Their elegant, organic forms are instantly recognisable, whether weeping or upright. But most Japanese maples don’t just produce those stunning shapes on their own. Left to their own devices, they can become overcrowded and a bit misshapen. These trees need to be pruned carefully to preserve their natural shape while enhancing their appearance.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Angharad James, Product Manager at Phostrogen, explained that Japanese maples, just like every other plant, need proper care.
He said: “Maples are popular deciduous trees and shrubs which offer beautiful foliage in a variety of colours, from rich burgundy and flaming orange, to warm yellow and vivid green when they are cared for properly.”
When gardeners start thinking about pruning the plants in their garden, it’s vital to their health that they do their research and find out what time of year is best for that specific plant.
Angharad said: “Late autumn is the perfect time to prune your maple, but it can take place any time from mid-October to mid-March, provided the temperatures aren’t too cold. Preventing exposure to freezing temperatures can help avoid serious damage to tree health.”
However, if gardeners are just going to be snipping off a few branches of their Japanese maple, they can do that any time of year without affecting the health of the tree.
Pruning is an excellent method of preventative maintenance for both young and established plants. A regular pruning schedule protects plants from injury, pests and damage. It’s an important part of a long-term maintenance strategy.
The gardening pro shared the importance of pruning Japanese maples. He said: “Pruning is useful to help form and keep your tree’s shape, restrict the size to which it grows and to preserve its overall health.
“Just make sure you use sharp, clean secateurs, as dirty, blunt blades can cause damage and easily spread infection.”
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While pruning acer trees is important, Angharad advised gardeners against cutting back young Japanese maples. He said: “Young Japanese maples may initially grow wispy branches, but it’s best to leave them be.
“Trimming them away will only stimulate them to grow even more. It may seem like a long process, but as the tree matures, the branches will widen and become fully established.”
In addition to pruning, there are other important things to know to take good care of your maple tree.
Watering is key when it comes to these trees. The expert said: “As a rough guide you should water your maple thoroughly every two weeks if there has been a lack of rain.
“Ensure you water the tree deeply to encourage a healthy root system to develop. If your maple is potted then it is important that it has a drainage hole to prevent soil becoming waterlogged.
“Maple trees prefer an evenly moist soil, it’s important that it isn’t allowed to dry out completely either. Remember that potted maples will require closer monitoring than those in borders and beds, as soil in containers dries out much more quickly.
After record low levels of rainfall in recent months, it’s worth looking for more sustainable ways to water. Installing a water butt to collect whatever rainwater falls is a great way to water your whole garden sustainability, so consider installing something similar.”
Now is not only a great time to prune these trees, they can also be planted in autumn. Angharad explained: “Maples can be planted in early autumn as well as in spring, as the weather is mild and the ground not too hard, so if you’re looking to add an acer to your garden display September and October is a great time to do so.
“They prefer a slightly acidic soil and a sheltered position in the garden where they will be protected from direct sun and cold winds.
“If you already have a potted acer, it will need repotting into a slightly bigger container every couple of years, and again, autumn is an ideal time to do this.”
However, come winter, when the temperatures drop, gardeners will need to protect their maple tree from frosts and chilly northern and easterly winds if it is potted in a container.
To do this the expert suggested “moving it to a sheltered position or even inside a greenhouse”. He said: “Lift it off the ground using pot feet or bricks, and cover it with fleece for extra frost protection.”
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