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Acer platnoides drummondii

Acer platnoides drummondii

Question from Shoot User
1210 1
This tree has now become very wide and tall for it's space and I would like to be able to prune it quite drastically. This year it is also not as cream around the edges as usual with some brances being all green. Last year we did prune out a number of green branches, but seem to have more this year.

What would be the advice on the pruning, and if this would be possible to do, when should this be done? I understand some of the maple family can "bleed out" and disease then enter the wood if cutting is not done at the correct time.

This is a sanctuary for our garden birds and is a regular feeding station for them, so I would not really want the whole tree taken down.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted: Sunday 12th of August 2012 10:06 AM

  • Re: Acer platnoides drummondii

    Kathy N
    Hi, Susan,
    Acers do not like heavy pruning. Best rule of thumb is to remove no more than 1/3 of the crown when you prune. That is a bit drastic for an Acer so expect it to be a bit unhappy once it is pruned. Since it is reverting, try to remove as much of the all green branches as possible. Yes, Acers do bleed, so only prune in late autumn or early winter.
    Kathy C
    Replied: Monday 13th of August 2012 10:35 PM

    • Re: Re: Acer platnoides drummondii

      Shoot User
      Thank you Kathy C this is really helpful - about a third of the tree would be just what I want. Let's hope the tree does not die, but I do need to prune it. Thanks again.
      Replied: Tuesday 14th of August 2012 03:23 PM
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