frostbitten japanese maple

Discussion in 'Maples' started by Gerda Schmied, Jul 13, 2007.

  1. Gerda Schmied

    Gerda Schmied Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Bluefield,Virginia
    We have two Japanese Maple Trees ( Acer and Lace), they were frostbitten back in spring. There are new leaves in the middle,however; they outter limbs are bare, should we cut these branches or just leave them alone. Thanks
     
  2. smivies

    smivies Active Member

    Messages:
    793
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Kingston, Ontario, Canada
    This can be a hard call....the branches may not have actually died but simply didn't have any dormant buds left to sprout new leaves. New buds may be forming on those branches over the summer. As unsightly as it may be, I would wait until it leafs out next spring to see if the outer branches are truly a lost cause.

    The other alternative....if you can afford to prune it back (ie. it's not a small plant), just make the sacrifice and it will recover most of its form over the next 2-4 years.
     

Share This Page