Late November is the perfect time to prune Japanese acers, as a gardening expert shared the simple technique that could help your plants thrive
Late November is the perfect time to prune Japanese acers, as a gardening expert shared the simple technique that could help your plants thrive(Image: YJPTO via Getty Images)
Gardens might look somewhat dreary and uninviting throughout the colder months, but there’s no need for concern. Autumn and winter are actually ideal periods for ongoing garden care to guarantee that come springtime, your greenery and blooms will flourish spectacularly, reports the Express.
Ish, a horticultural specialist and TikTok content creator, encouraged fellow gardening enthusiasts to complete an essential maintenance task on their Japanese acers to guarantee stronger, more vibrant growth when spring returns. Whilst the plant may appear less attractive temporarily, the long-term rewards will be substantial.
In a recent clip, Ish explained in the caption: “Now is a great time to prune your Acer tree ready for a full and fabulous display of foliage next year.”
You can identify dead stems by their pale brown colour(Image: Getty)How to prune Japanese acers
Ish explained: “Late November and early December is a fantastic time to prune your deciduous trees. And deciduous is the type of plant that loses its leaves in the winter and they grow back in the spring.
“Now, the reason it’s ideal to do it right now is: whilst the tree has lost its leaves, all of the energy that’s usually in the stems and in the branches filters its way back down to the base of the stem and the root system, which means I’m free to cut as much as I want at the top without doing any damage that you would do in summer.”
Winter pruning offers additional advantages as the plant’s individual branches become fully visible, simplifying the process of spotting which sections are lifeless and require removal. So prepare to reach for your secateurs.
However, Ish highlighted that it’s not just about trimming the branches, but also ensuring your plant isn’t “overcrowded”. Keep an eye out for any branches that are rubbing together or getting too close, and trim those back as well.
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To spot dead stems and branches, look for wood that’s pale brown, contrasting with the dark reddish brown that acers should typically be. These dead parts can be snipped right at the stem base.
If you notice that the stems are overcrowded at the top of the plant, Ish recommended cutting them back by about a third. He stated: “It’s not going to look pretty in the winter months, but in the spring, it’ll absolutely thank you. And your acer tree will look even better than it did last year.”
Pruning will help the leaves on the plant remain robust, as cold weather can harm the leaves. In some instances, leaf scorch can cause premature leaf drop and even dieback of small branches.
The Royal Horticultural Society pointed out that extra care should be taken during late winter and early spring due to the seasons’ cold winds – and potential frost – as these can scorch the leaves.
You can prune now, or wait until late December or January.
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