Content
- Professionally cut fan maple
- Cut fan maple or rather not?
- The optimal cutting time
- Do not cut into old wood
- Always disinfect the cutting tool
- Provide incisions with wound closure agent
- Tips
Japanese maple should be cut as seldom as possible
Professionally cut fan maple
The fan maple (Acer palmatum) is one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in German gardens. Red fan maple in particular impresses with its distinctive leaf color as well as the filigree structure of the foliage. The tree-like waxy shrub is traditionally often raised as a bonsai.
Early fanfishes prefer sunny location - but not always Next article Japanese Maple - Maintain, cut and overwinter bonsai properlyCut fan maple or rather not?
Normally maples should not be cut back if possible, because they tolerate a pruning bad due to a high bleeding tendency. Also, the fan maple should not be cut more than necessarily, but is basically cut compatible than other maple species. A regular pruning can even have advantages in Acer palmatum, so a cut promotes the fine branching of the filigree shrub and a denser foliage.
The optimal cutting time
As with all other maple species, however, the fan maple should have the right cutting time. A cutback in autumn or winter should definitely be avoided, as the tree tends to bleed at this time and fungi and other pathogens can easily penetrate the wood. In addition, cuts should be able to heal in time for the winter, so that the tree survives the cold season healthy. For this reason, the fan maple should be trimmed in the months of May or June if possible.
Do not cut into old wood
Furthermore, if possible cut only into fresh, less biannual or perennial wood. The reason for this is the tendency of this year's wood to reliably form new shoots - a tendency that older shoots no longer have. Be sure to remove shoots one to two centimeters above a bud or branch, as this will make it easier for new trees to emerge from there. The remaining remainder is treated with a wound closure agent and removed after drying.
Always disinfect the cutting tool
With every pruning is particularly important - especially with regard to the risk of infection with the wilting or another fungal disease - is hygiene. The cutting tool should be sharp and freshly disinfected. Disinfection should also be carried out after treatment in order to counteract possible transmission of pathogens.
Provide incisions with wound closure agent
Due to the high tendency to bleed, it is also advisable to always provide cut wounds on the maple with a disinfecting wound closure agent. This not only dampens after-bleeding, but also prevents infiltration of pathogens.
Tips
When raising a fan maple to bonsai, all shoot tips are first removed in spring. This measure leads to a finer branching, in addition, the tree then forms smaller leaves.