Japanese maple - cutting is always a risk

Japanese maple - cutting is always a risk

Cutting back can cause damage

Provided that the Japanese maple is in a suitable location and feels comfortable there, the Far Eastern deciduous tree is comparatively easy to care for: it only needs to be watered in hot and dry summer periods, only rarely fertilized and also not pruned. A pruning is not only superfluous, but in the worst case can even cause the whole tree to die. In particular, the species that remain small tend to become infected with powdery mildew or other fungal diseases after such a measure. Fortunately, the Japanese maple naturally grows fairly evenly and only slowly.

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Carry out necessary pruning measures in spring

Sometimes, however, pruning is unavoidable, for example to remove dried up shoots, twigs and branches that have been frozen in winter or infected with infections. Dead and diseased tree parts should best be cut back in spring or early autumn, whereas pruning measures in late autumn or even winter should be avoided. Trees pruned in winter are often very susceptible to fungal infections. When cutting, be careful not to cut into the living wood, and do not separate the twigs and branches directly and smoothly from the trunk.

Protective measures for pruning

Compliance with certain protective measures will help you and your Japanese maple to survive any pruning measures in a healthy manner and without damage. The top rule is hygiene, ie all tools used must be kept sharp and clean. At best, disinfect scissors and knives before and after the treatment in order to interrupt any infection routes and prevent pathogens from entering the tree. You should also note the following:

  • Cutting tools should always be sharp to avoid bruising.
  • Larger cut surfaces should be treated with tree wax (€ 5.99 at Amazon *),
  • this prevents the tree from bleeding.
  • Avoid damaging the branch collar.
  • No pruning in autumn or winter.

Tips

A drastic pruning can sometimes save the Japanese maple in the event of an infection with the dreaded Verticillium wilt. This disease is caused by fungi in the earth and quickly kills whole branches and shoots, often the whole tree.