pruning a Japanese maple "OZAKAZUKI"

In this NEW video for 2022 I show you how to prune and thin out very dense foilage on an upright Japanese maple tree. I will be pruning our "ozakazuki" which is a specimen that will grow to a height of approx 8' - 10' ( 2.5 - 3.5 meters).
I have added a new playlist as well to include all the pruning video's!

[@michellep9990]

Thank you Otto. Excellent pruning advice, I just have to build up the courage to start pruning my container Japanese Maples. Well as you said, they will grow.

[@maplesandmusic]

thank you, good luck with your pruning. First cut is always the hardest.. then it is a breeze!

[@markread8650]

Thanks man. I learn a lot from your videos

[@lawrencebardenett6148]

I also like that look. I don`t quite have the guts to go that far but I`m working on it. Really like your videos. Thanks from Philadelphia, USA

[@maplesandmusic]

thanks Lawrence! Just remember, the tree will always grow back. After making a cut, just step back and take a second look, I find that really helps to set up the next cut.

[@sammysworld5485]

Hi Otto. Seems most like the cloud pruning technique on most JM but I’m going to have to say I enjoyed the dense growth on this style maple.

[@maplesandmusic]

For sure, it is always personal preference in the end.
Just make sure you always remove dense old (dead) branches if you prefer to have it less open.

[@nnagle9224]

I have just come around to believing that airflow and layered shapes are what make Japanese maples the truly beautiful trees we want. The main "trunks" need to be cleaner.
Thanks for the reinforcement on how to reveal the beauty.

[@maplesandmusic]

In the end it is always personal preference. But yes, I agree with you 100% when it comes to seeing the flow and layers of the japanese maple trees. Pruning is also enjoyable to do and always great to view the finished look when done!

[@relax1230]

Great videos Otto , thanks ,

[@tadaskabliukas2797]

👏

[@dap8362]

Thanks for sharing, not much on youtube regarding pruning so it is appreciated. Is your technique mainly for well established mature trees only?
So if you want to promote overal growth, thickening of the trunk and strengthening roots for tree's that are say anywhere from 3 - 8 years old would you still apply the same "heavy" pruning technique where you take out most of the new growth? This just seems to me that it will slow growth right down, but I understand you will have a "nicer" shape with it thinned out, but it will have slower growth?
I would like to see another video about how you prune younger trees if it is different!
I am currenty contemplating if I should cutt off all my younger whispy stems and keep only the main stem/trunk of my multistem 8 year old ish Standard Acer Palmatum tree I bought this year.
Thanks

[@maplesandmusic]

We start pruning our trees after their second year of growth. Pruning is all about personal preference and visual appearance. The tree will keep growing regardless of pruning or not as the root below the ground level are always growing as well. Personally I would cut any whispy stems when the tree is young. Thanks for the interest!