Japanese Maple trees can enhance any landscape, but without proper maintenance, they can quickly become overgrown. My son, Duston, inherited a beautiful Japanese Maple when he moved into his new home, but it was unfortunately planted too close to the house. With some care and timely pruning, this tree has the potential to thrive.
The previous owner neglected the tree, allowing it to grow wildly. After assessing its condition, we decided to take action by significantly trimming it back, waiting until March when the tree was ready to emerge from dormancy.
Before starting, I took photos to document the tree’s progress. Armed with a chainsaw—skipping the hedge trimmers—we got to work. I understand that the sound of a chainsaw can be alarming, but it was a necessary step to rejuvenate the tree. In just 20 minutes, we made significant cuts, and the transformation began.
Duston faced a lot of scrutiny from his wife, neighbors, and friends, who questioned, “What did you do?! Is it dead?! Did you kill it?!” Many people struggle to envision the potential of a tree after such drastic pruning, which is why so many Japanese Maples remain overgrown.
The key takeaway is not to fear trimming your overgrown Japanese Maple. Fast forward 18 months, and the results were remarkable—the tree not only survived but thrived, looking healthier than ever. Duston has since maintained it with regular trimming, allowing the center to fill out beautifully.
Remember, a little courage in pruning can lead to a stunning transformation in your garden!