I installed this Sango Kaku during late fall of 2005, last years first flush was completely burned off by the sun a month or so later into the summer, but it did put out new leave while the first were being burned off. The new leaves were four times larger then the normal leaf size, they were almost a big as a regular maple leaf, huge. This year the tree has so many leaves I am wondering how on earth could this tree support so many leaves. The tree is about well ....I just go out and take a picture, hold tight OK the tree is about six feet tall and I want to push it to be taller, can I take out some of the leaves to promote a taller tree. Should I wait until I see it the sun burn off the leaves like last year, which I really doubt if it can because the tree should have adapted to this new site by now. It gets afternoon sun from 2 until 5, I am in Virgina and it is a southern climate but not like say maybe Atlanta. But generally can one cut back some foliage in the spring to spur top growth, I would like to see a umbrella form of tree in this other maples I have installed, I am not looking for a multi trunk tree.
No comment whatsoever on your climate, but I always remove lower branches gradually where I want to encourage upward growth and especially obviously for an umbrella shaped tree Dont remove too many at once Do it a little year by year until you achieve the effect you want Be aware that those lower branches look pretty thick to me !!!!!
The best way to promote upward growth is to let it keep all its leaves - that helps it produce energy for future branch growth. Cutting anything off reduces the photosynthetic area available for energy capture.
From your photo the tree seems to have developed a "normal" number of vertical shoots and is growing upward and outward as expected. Much of the upward growth looks new and it is not terrible wide nor does it have an unusually horizontal growth habit. I think the tree is growing with a form and vigor that it typical for it as well as assuming a shape that will meet your needs. Don't remove any leaves at this point as you will not gain anything and honestly I do not see any lower branches that you would want to remove. I belive the two lowest branches in the "V" configuration should stay, but if those are the ones you are considering cutting back follow the recommendation to remove them a little at at time. Say, 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 over 3 years. I do not think that is something that will give you a better or healthier looking tree, but it could be done. I am not sure at what rate it would fill in or grow the canopy you are looking for. It might just be left disfigured and out of balance.
Well that all seem reasonable enough, I will not make any cuts this year thinks for clearing that up for me. As to my climate, if you remember your history the colony failed a few times due to a harsh climate. It is quite hot her in the summers and not so cold in the winter, however I bet it is about 10 F degrees warmer now then it was during the colonial period. I know in my life time it is about 8 degrees warmer now then when I was a boy, and I would swear to 2.5 C warmer, I am fifty year old. When I was young air conditioning was not even thought of, it was rarely above 29 degrees, but now it is a must have. Today is May 1 and it is already hit 36 degrees yep your read it correctly, right now it is 5:20 PM and the temperature is 32.75 degrees. Do we have a problem here or not? God help us, and pass the aluminum shade cloth.
This is an Okagami where I gradually removed the lower branches until it got to the point where it was what I wanted. I stopped at about the point shown in this photograph. I could have gone a lot further at that time. Whether or not I remove any more will depend on future development. You will note that the lower branches now are (like yours) fairly thick, and need a little more thought before taking action
This is Inazuma which I have also been training for an 'umbrella' shape. There is one branch to the side which I might still remove but I am unsure.....
You know one thought occurred to me, are the caliber of these single trunked trees strong enough with all of that top growth to handle a big blow? Are these upright Acer Palmatums naturally multi trunked trees? I am restating the first question as a statement. These Japanese maples have a lot of dense foliage to be supported by just one trunk. I am looking forward to the new book that is coming out on how to prune Japanese Maples.
Plenty of strength there Richard ... and the trunk will thicken as the tree grows You worry too much LOL
Yes I know I worry way too much, I think I have just worried my self into planting about 20 trees in a potting mix with way too much drainage. I hate rules when it come to stuff I am confident in, but I love rules in stuff I am not.
Re: I worry way to much Not a Japanese Maple, sometime I have to get my mind off of my work. Yes this is big picture file to download if you have the bandwidth it may be worth it. One you have it, click the plus sign in the picture for a true micro shot.
