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Japanese Maples somewhat of a bonsai style. The goal
is to find the layers within the trees
canopy and bring them out. This is a
A brief summary of Japanese Maple characteristics and best pruning painstaking process just like with
practices. Bonsai trees and takes time. For one
you do not want to punch large holes
What do you think of when you think of Japanese Maples? With so many in the canopy or elevate the canopy
varieties and cultivars it is easy to picture their different colors and struc- more than you have to because, as I
tures. Japanese Maples are considered to be one of the more desirable mentioned, they are prone to sun
and expensive tree. A fully mature Japanese Maple in good health is con- scalding. Thin bark trees such as
sidered to be an asset that adds value to your home. Like many things in Japanese maples burn quickly be-
the Japanese culture they take time, care, and patience to grow. They can cause they don’t have a thick bark
be rather resilient but also extremely fragile. layer to protect them from the heat.
Japanese Maple’s are delicate in many aspects. Too much sun light and In general the International Society of Arboriculture restricts pruning on
they burn or get what is referred to as Sun scalding. Too little water and trees to 30%. Meaning it is not advisable to take more than 30 percent of
they whither and die. Japanese Maples tend to thrive best in areas where a trees canopy at one time. With a tree as sensitive as a Japanese Maple
they are exposed to morning sun but shaded in the afternoon when the that percentage is close to 15 percent. Over pruning leads to die back and
sun is at its apex. Their roots are not considered to be invasive and can sun scalding.
adapt to just about any site con-
straints they face. In fact I care for In conclusion, Japanese Maples are one of your communities greatest
some Japanese Maples at Kaiser in assets. Several years ago I had the great pleasure to prune all of the Japa-
down town Sacramento that have a nese Maples in your community. Since that time many have been left
limited soil volume but due to their unkempt. The ones that have been somewhat maintained are easy for me
shaded afternoon placement are to get into shape again. The ones that haven’t will take longer and must
some of the tallest and happiest Japa- be done in increments. I hope this helps and I am always here to be
nese Maples that I have had the source of information for you. Thank you for your time and considera-
pleasure of taking care of. tion!
Just like the physical aspects of Japa- Sincerely,
nese Maples, the pruning aspect of Anthony Hunt
Japanese Maples is just as sensitive. ISA Certified Arborist WE-13303A
Japanese Maples are to be pruned in ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified

May 2022 Page 26