trimming trees

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raebeags Dighton, MA(Zone 6a) Mar 07, 2010

Hi everyone~

I have a crimson dwarf Japanese maple and a bunch of crabapple trees that are starting to sprout new branches at the base of the trees. Do I cut them? And if so when?

thanks,
rae

This message was edited Mar 9, 2010 7:29 AM

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Mar 09, 2010

Japanese Maple pruning info
Work from the bottom up and inside out
WHEN TO PRUNE
"Beginners will find it easier to prune when trees are leafless and dormant in late fall to midwinter. Light pruning can be done any season except spring, when sap is rising. "

WHAT TO PRUNE
The goal of pruning is to encourage the tree's natural and healthy growth habit. Look the tree over carefully, even getting under it and looking up, to identify what you want to prune.

You'll want to get rid of:

• Broken, dead or deformed branches. Winterkill generally shows up on extremities -- branch tips and small twigs. You'll also often find deadwood at the bottom and inside of a tree, where branches have been shaded out.

• Crossing branches. They often rub against each other, removing bark and allowing diseases and insects to enter a tree.
Branches growing inward or in the wrong direction. These might include branches growing skyward on a tree that has a weeping form.

• Narrow-angled branches, sometimes called narrow crotches. These occur when two branches grow at angles less than 45 degrees from each other. Bark can become trapped in these narrow junctures, making them more prone to breakage. Beginners beware, it's best to consult an arborist for large branches with included bark.

• Branches growing parallel. Thinning these branches creates definition between branches.

Crabapple pruning
http://www.gardenguides.com/84898-prune-crab-apple-tree.html



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raebeags Dighton, MA(Zone 6a) Mar 19, 2010

Thanks so much Flowerjen!!! I have been pruning a ton of trees! Really helpful info!

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