", after reading "How to Prune Chinese Maple Trees". "I just purchased a home with a beautiful tree next to the driveway. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. No. Choose pruning shears for smaller branches and loppers for larger ones. [2] X Expert Source Monique Capanelli Plant Specialist Expert Interview. "We have a beautiful, albeit overgrown, Japanese maple outside our kitchen window. Japanese maple care and pruning needs are minimal, which makes the tree an excellent choice for most garden needs. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can also protect your skin from scratches. But ideally, it is done during the dormant stages of late fall or midwinter. It almost looks healthier than before. ", illustrations were straightforward. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Thank you. My lace leaf maple is dragging on the ground. Yes, you can. Outdoors, you can trim the lower branches and shape the crown to tailor the appearance of the tree as it grows. The information was clear and will certainly help me to make good decisions about, "I loved the step by step instructions with pictures! Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 621,549 times. Grown inside, the tree grows into a thick shrub with numerous branches. Use your best judgment about your tree's health. 22 September 2020. If heavy sap flow occurs, pruning should be delayed until it stops or … Both low-energy times last about 2 weeks. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid2334080-v4-728px-Prune-Japanese-Maple-Trees-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"