How to prune acer palmatum 'dissectum'

Fully dormant in late autumn to midwinter, or midsummer to avoid sap bleeding. Remove dead wood and any crossing or rubbing branches by cutting back cleanly to a branch union or healthy bud. To 'skirt lift', selectively remove the lowest trailing stems to reveal the branching framework — cut back to where the branch meets the main stem. Never shear or top.

Rarely — light corrective pruning only as needed. The laceleaf Japanese maple group forms its arching, mushroom-shaped canopy naturally and dislikes hard pruning. Routine maintenance means removing only dead or crossing branches. Occasionally lift the 'skirt' by removing low trailing branches if access underneath is needed. This reveals the attractive branch structure and gives the dome a cleaner appearance.

Remove dead wood and any crossing or rubbing branches by cutting back cleanly to a branch union or healthy bud. To 'skirt lift', selectively remove the lowest trailing stems to reveal the branching framework — cut back to where the branch meets the main stem. Never shear or top.