Trimming an Acer Palmatum dissectum [longish]
- To: woodyplants@mallorn.com
- Subject: Trimming an Acer Palmatum dissectum [longish]
- From: T* C*
- Date: 19 Mar 99 13:43:36 PST
Wow, that was a lot of responses quickly. However, I am now completely
confused. Let me explain first, that I am very experienced in palnt and tree
identification. I know that if I take a leaf from mine [when they come back]
and put it next to that from a tree very much like it but with a weeping form,
they will look identical. Mine has a little more red, but spends the morniong
in the sun, where as most of those I saw at Annapolis were in full shade.
Remember, they aren't a lot alike, they are INDISTINGUISHABLE to an
experienced eye. That means they are probably the same, but not for certain.
My neighbor has 2 or 3 of the A.Palatums, and when I saw the dissectum I was
very intrigued, so I bought it. Yes it was expensive at $125.
Now,...Should I trim it now while still dormant, or at the end of summer? If I
email you a digital photograph, will you mark on it and send it back with
suggestions where you would trim it? Don't worry, I am not going to hand off
responsibility, I want to take the chance on my own. But I just don't know
much about tree trimming and the Bonsai instructions are intimidating to say
the least. Still, I am relaxed enough about it to just trim it and if I kill
it or ruin it I will get another one. Will anybody bite on advising me on how
to trim it?
Tim Chavez
Wichita, Kansas z 6,
Where we just had a little rain, and its almost 50 F outside. The flats of
seedling strain to the window to see what is outside. They know where they
belong.
Most Acer palmatum dissectums are weepers, but not all. Those are the
ones with the very finely cut lace-like leaves. They tend to be
expensive due to being slow growers. The Acer palmatums are larger
leaved and upright. (This is a really basic description....See 'Maples
Of The World'.)
And pruning should be done while dormant. A maple can push enough sap
to 'bleed to death'.
Also, it's best to let it leaf out at least once before pruning. They
can look like a gangly adolescent, but with leaves on, they assume their
own character. And each one has it's own 'personality'. You'll have a
better eye for what you want out of the tree if you can see it at least
once in leaf.
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