outdoor plant

Discussion in 'Maples' started by dgetlin1, Oct 26, 2007.

  1. dgetlin1

    dgetlin1 Member

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    hello.....i have a japanese maple tree i'd like to identify so i can prune it correctly.....how do i describe this plant......thanks, dg
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Can you post a photo?
     
  3. dgetlin1

    dgetlin1 Member

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    i have no camera, but is there a general rule......this plant is about 4 or 5 years old, about 4 feet tall........not growing much in height but more in width........i'm not sure if fall is the best time to prune, or spring..........leaves are still green but, somehow, look redish colored....

    my feeling is, no matter what i do, this plant will survive............same with me. no matter what i try, thing always seem to work out.......like the red sox winning in 4.......dg
     
  4. nelran

    nelran Active Member

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    Japanese maples change the color of the leaves in fall, so it cuould be normal. If you can post some picture of the specimen we can get more detail. Another option will be a guess...
     
  5. dgetlin1

    dgetlin1 Member

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    last nite, nelran, we had our first frost here in nj.........i just checked my tree and found the leaves are just starting to be a very dark red, altho many are still green.....each branch has leaves attatched and each leaf has either 6 or 7 small leaflets. the leaves are opposite each other....

    i'm told to prune in the late fall, sometime in november, i guess......anyway, even by hit or miss, i don't think i'll do the tree any harm. just like to trim so it don't get too wide, laterally............dg
     
  6. nelran

    nelran Active Member

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    That's normal. The JM's color depends of several factors, but mainly for sun exposure and seasonal temperature. Also, (depending of the cultivar), new leaves are red, and then as they mature change to green, sometimes is reverse with others cultivars. Your JM is young, so I don't recommend to prune it heavily. If you want to prune, please not cut more than 10% - 15% of branches at any time. Also remember that you can not reverse any wrong cutting!! study first your tree, and make a carefull planning before prune. Again, a picture will help to advice you better. Also, you can sort in this forum for pictures to try to identify your cultivar.

    N
     
  7. spookiejenkins

    spookiejenkins Active Member

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    Hi,
    Check ou the thread "When and how to prune Japanese maples?" in the FAQ section of the Acer forum.

    It seems there is a bit of controversy about when to prune maples, but personally, I always wait until the spring buds are swelling or just about to break before I do any pruning. That way I can avoid the typical maple weeping, while I am still able to see the form of the tree - unimpeeded by the foliage.

    Good luck!

    P.S. great pruning advice Nelson!
     
  8. nelran

    nelran Active Member

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    I do my best, Katie. thanks!
     

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