Pruning A Japanese Maple

Question

I have a Coral Bark Japanese with long buggy whip limbs. How should I prune it?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the issue at hand.

It could be that the tree is lacking light if the branches are too stretchy. Ultimately, if the issue causing it is not fixed, then it will likely return. Once you figure out what is causing the branches to elongate, then pruning can be done. Just don't take off more than 1/3 of the tree at once, or you may see the rootstock take over and kill off the top scion of the tree.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-care-pruning.htm