Maple Cuttings Pruning

• When I look at an Anderson flat of this year‘s Maple cuttings in autumn, I’m encouraged how well they are doing. But there are branches to clean up.

• While I should maintain self-control and resist over-working things that should grow out, this work can be done in winter or a month or two from now after defoliation and some wiring.

• There are just some long lateral branches that interfere with other cuttings that I felt should be cut back just for sunlight or general balance.

• Earlier pruning of the trunk typically results in a hardened “Y” split with no clear apex. So wiring is applied to clarify the trunk-line, pruning for taper and movement. Wiring a new apex Is critical before the wood is too stiff.

• I remove some bar branches. Even though they are young, it helps control trunk taper and directing energy where I desire it.

• Sometimes there are many parallel tightly growing branches from one node, like a whorl. I cut back to the desired branch or two.

• I remove any downward branches—and even downward leaves, if a lateral ramification is desired. Some inwardly directed leaves will be removed if there is not much space.

• Tridents & Maples often bud a leaf at the node where a branch is growing. So I often remove that but so as not to create too many branches from one node.

• Next year, in the spring, I will likely do gentle root-work and pot them up so that they will get more individual sunlight and development. In a large pot.