Pruning back Japanese Maple

[wallshore]

I live in New Jersey and have an old Japanese Maple in my backyard that has gotten way to big (width) and needs to be reduced in size. I wanted to know how much I can take it back and when to do it. I would like to cut about 5 feet off each 15-18 foot limb. I have waited for the leaves to fall and most have fallen. Should I prune it back now before the ground freezes?

 

[rebelman]

dead winter is best for pruning. Follow ANSI standard. Do you know what this means? Proper pruning. If you do not, get a professional, the tree is high value, and does not tolerate much abuse. Five feet off the ends is classic malpractice, tipping and topping. The tree may be nearing maturity, and minor training could allow it to coexist in the given space. Keep sharp tools. Good luck.

 

[treeseer]

post pictures and you may get good advice. 5' off ends may not be impossible but it is extreme. Why is the tree suddenly that much too big?

You can locate a good local certified arborist here using zip code http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx or maybe thru Rutgers.

 

[Xtra]

Where in NJ are you located? Wall, NJ?

You're just outside of my service area, but I could recommend someone local or give you advise on where & how to prune.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

I like treeseer's idea, post some pictures! We'll point, you cut.