Japanese maples will look 'stunning' and avoid death if you follow 1 simple pruning rule

Pruning is the primary care task necessary for Japanese maples to help them thrive for as long as possible. No matter the variety of Japanese maple, light trimming beneath the branches is advisable since the branches tend to droop as the plant ages, and heavy limbs can grow too low, putting strain on the rest of the tree.

Pruning Japanese maples mainly consists of removing dead wood and thin stems that block the tree's attractive structure. Young trees should also have their lowest limbs trimmed to improve clearance. Rebecca Wolken, a gardening expert at HappySprout, provided details on when and how gardeners should prune their Japanese maples. She mentioned: "When you start considering pruning the plants in your garden, it's crucial for their health that you do your homework and determine the best time of year for that particular plant.

"If you're only going to trim a few branches, you can do that any time of year without harming the health of the Japanese maple.

"However, if you intend to prune a significant number of branches to alter the shape or size of the tree, it's best to do that in the winter."

Pruning Japanese maples during winter is essential because they are dormant and won't bleed sap from cuts that could weaken them.

While the timing is vital, "the most crucial aspect of pruning your Japanese maple" is the tools you use to cut it, claimed the expert.

Rebecca said: "To ensure the plant doesn't get sick and die, only use disinfected and sharp pruning shears. A sharp tool makes a clean cut and makes it easier on you and the tree."

To avoid the spread of disease, gardeners should sterilise their tools with a simple bleach and water or alcohol solution between plants.

When trimming branches, experts recommend cutting close but not flush to the trunk, leaving a small visible stump. Jagged cuts can damage the plant more than a clean cut. For those with many pruning tasks, patience is key - it might take one or two years.

Rebecca also urged: "Don't remove a large part of the tree all at once. This can shock the plant and potentially kill it. Instead, trim a few branches one year, then wait until the next year or the year after to cut the remaining branches. This allows the plant ample time to recover from the initial pruning, prevents it from dying, and helps it manage another pruning the following year."

The general guideline, even for older neglected trees, is to take off no more than 30% of the plant in any given year. Make slow, careful cuts as you evaluate your progress. Step back often when trimming a Japanese maple. This will help gardeners see the entire tree and plan the next cut to maintain and enhance the plant's natural shape.