How to prune maple bonsai

Maple tree pruning time

Maple tree potting is generally best done in spring, specifically in March and April each year. It is better to prune before sprouting and growing, which will cause less damage to the plant and allow it to recover quickly.

Maple tree bonsai pruning

1. Pinching

Maple trees grow very strong. When planted in potted plants at home, you can do some proper pinching during the growth period. This can effectively control the height of the plant. This is mainly done in the summer. At this time, you can cut off the apical dominance on the main branch and also cut off the surrounding lateral branches. After that, pinch the tree several times according to its growth to promote branch growth.

2. Thinning

Maple trees have a strong ability to sprout, so you should pay attention to shaping and pruning during the peak growing season. You can promptly thin out unnecessary branches such as dense branches, crossed branches, upright branches, and also remove the thin branches growing from the main trunk. Even part of the thick branches and leaves should be cut off to make the plant look more beautiful.

3. Modeling and pruning

Shaping pruning is an important part of maple tree pruning. During the growth period, the overall balance of the tree should be observed. If any overgrown branches are found, all outer branches and messy, unsightly dense branches can be cut off, mainly starting from the base. A portion of the upper part of the trunk should also be cut off to maintain the height of the tree.

4. Winter pruning

Maple trees enter a dormant period in winter, when their growth is slow. Light pruning is recommended, but don't do it too aggressively, otherwise it will affect the growth of the plant. You can prune away weak branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, dead branches, and useless branches. You should also prune away some branches that affect the appearance to enhance the ornamental value of the plant.

Maple tree cuttings

First, we have to choose a tree with lush branches and leaves as the main branch for cuttings to propagate the maple tree into the ornamental maple bonsai we need. Choose a maple leaf branch that is as thick as a finger, use the kind of scissors used to prune trees, and then cut it off from the maple tree.

Use a knife to cut a circular cut in the middle of the branch, remove the surface bark and a layer of epidermis under the bark. The circular cut should be about 5 cm long. Then put a little rooting and germination hormone on the cut, wrap it with plastic film, tie it tightly on both sides with ropes, and bury it in the soil.

After about a month, you can see that rhizomes have grown around the opening. At this time, we prepare a flowerpot, put a layer of soil underneath, plant the rhizome branch in the flowerpot, fix it on both sides with wooden sticks, and then water it frequently to keep the soil moist. That's it.