jap maple

[M5iron]

whats the best way way to feed a 3 year old jap. maple tree thats brittle that's a little too brittle and growing to tall... in the middle, and is it, ok to trim the main branch, thats out growing the rest of the tree , is it ok to trim the center branch and what should i feed it for the best results it's about 3 to 4 years old

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Here is a search on proper pruning. These technique apply to all trees.

http://search.dogpile.com/texis/search?q=proper+pruning&geo=no&fs=web

You can reduce the part that is growing faster then the rest of the tree to stunt the growth and "ballance" the form.

"Feeding" with nitrogen will ingrease the growth of the tree. If you feel it is growing fast then having a proffesional prune it evrey few years would be best. If you are not yet mulching then this would help provide the minor elements that the tree needs. Just don't over do it. 2-3 inches and do not mound onto the trunk.

If you want to do an amendment, find a low N product that has a broad spectrum of minor elelments, such as a fish emultion.