How to prune acer palmatum 'butterfly'

Late autumn to midwinter when dormant; remove reverted green shoots as soon as seen. Cut reverted (plain green) shoots back to their point of origin at the main stem as soon as they appear — remove completely, as leaving any of the shoot encourages regrowth. Remove dead or crossing branches to a healthy union using clean, sharp tools. Avoid cutting back healthy variegated growth unnecessarily.

Check for reversion annually; light corrective pruning as needed. Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is an upright, variegated Japanese maple that benefits from occasional light pruning to maintain its shape and remove any reverted all-green shoots, which are more vigorous and will dominate if left. Beyond reversion removal and dead wood, it needs very little intervention — preserve its naturally airy structure.

Cut reverted (plain green) shoots back to their point of origin at the main stem as soon as they appear — remove completely, as leaving any of the shoot encourages regrowth. Remove dead or crossing branches to a healthy union using clean, sharp tools. Avoid cutting back healthy variegated growth unnecessarily.