How to prune acer palmatum 'orangeola'

Late autumn to midwinter when fully dormant, or midsummer to avoid bleeding sap. Remove only dead, damaged, or inward-crossing branches using clean, sharp secateurs or loppers, cutting back to a healthy outward-facing bud or branch junction. Avoid flush cuts or leaving stubs. Do not prune in spring when sap is rising as this causes heavy bleeding, which weakens the tree.

Rarely — only as needed to remove dead or crossing growth. This weeping, dissected-leaf Japanese maple needs only minimal corrective pruning. It develops its elegant cascading form naturally and benefits most from removal of dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning — it rarely improves shape and can leave large wounds prone to disease. Prune only when necessary.

Remove only dead, damaged, or inward-crossing branches using clean, sharp secateurs or loppers, cutting back to a healthy outward-facing bud or branch junction. Avoid flush cuts or leaving stubs. Do not prune in spring when sap is rising as this causes heavy bleeding, which weakens the tree.