Re: Trimming an Acer Palmatum dissectum [longish]

Tim,

The tree gets a little more "weepy" in appearance each season as the
branches get longer. Unless you've got some seriously wierd-looking
branches I think you will probably get the results you are looking for
without any pruning at all. My A. palmatum dissectum is also in full
morning sun and I haven't noticed that it has taken on any peculiar
growth habits as opposed to those I see growing in more shade.

The tree guy at the nursery where I bought mine told me that A.
palmatum dissectum didn't need any pruning for the sake of appearance.
He said they nearly always have a very pleasing, but individual,
natural growth habit. The nursery has trees of various ages and it is
pretty easy to tell that some trees within the same cultivar simply
take on a more weeping form at a younger age.

My pruning book says that if you do have to prune, thinning rather than
heading back gives a more pleasing appearance. It also says not to
prune while the tree is in active growth. I've snipped out a couple of
branches that were crossing towards the center of mine in August with
no ill effects.

I also agree with Marge that you should call the nursery where you
purchased your tree and ask them to provide the name of your cultivar.
If they don't know ask them to check with their supplier. I recall
reading somewhere that ID'ing Japanese Maple cultivars can even give
experts fits.

At 4:43 PM -0500 3/19/99, you wrote:

> 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

---
Peggy Enes (peggy@unicom.net)   Zone 5/6    NE KS     AHS Heat Zone 7


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