Japanese maples will look ‘better’ if you do expert’s 1 simple task in February

Japanese maples are among the most beautiful trees for gardens, but experts say there’s one essential winter task that can’t be left until spring.

Japanese maples will look ‘better’ if you do expert’s 1 simple task in February(Image: Education Images, Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Few trees can rival the sheer beauty of Japanese maples. These stunning ornamental specimens are treasured not only for their striking forms, but also for the spectacular splashes of colour they bring to gardens throughout the year.

As the seasons shift, so do they – buds blush pink in spring, leaves flourish in summer, foliage blazes in autumn, and bare branches stand proud in winter.

Whether you’ve recently welcomed a young sapling into your garden or you’re tending to a grand, established Japanese maple, proper care is essential. During the winter months, there’s one crucial task that must be tackled, and it simply can’t wait until spring or summer rolls around.

Japanese maple specialists at Herter Nursery insist that “now is the time” for “heavy pruning” to shape the tree and remove crossing or dead limbs.

According to Japanese maple retailers at Herter Nursery, “now is the time” for “heavy pruning”(Image: Ben-Schonewille via Getty Images)

Japanese maples should be pruned whilst fully dormant in winter, as maples leak sap from pruning cuts during other seasons, which can severely weaken the tree.

Examining the bare branches without foliage also gives you a clear view of the tree’s framework, making it far easier to spot the ideal places to make your cuts.

Andrew Stark, who boasts over 30 years of gardening expertise, shared his winter pruning tips for Japanese maples on his Instagram page @andrewstarkgardeningdesign.

He mentioned that he’s been training and trimming maples for nearly a decade.

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Andrew explained, “Each year they get better and better as a result of my ongoing trimming and pruning.”

When pruning the tree, the gardening expert explained: “I start by removing dead wood and weaker branches. Then I take out any congested areas where branches have chunked up”.

“Lastly, I reduce the foliage pads by approx 50% and tidy. The finished trees have a structure with equalised strength in each foliage pad.”

Steer clear of substantial pruning during late spring and summer when the tree is actively growing. Fresh growth is particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and pest infestations.