“Correct” time of year to prune Japanese maples to avoid unsightly “bleeding”

Pruning is an essential gardening job, carried out throughout the year to ensure the garden remains beautiful and healthy.

Additionally, following the pruning of a tree or shrub can also help improve its appearance.

According to experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Japanese maples are particularly prone to bleeding, so it’s important to prune at the ‘right’ time to avoid this.

The right time to prune acers is now after the leaves have fallen but before January, according to pros.

Experts said: “Bleeding occurs when sap flows from a wound or cut on a tree, shrub or woody vine.

“You may notice sap oozing from the wound directly after pruning, or you may just notice spots some time later where the sap has dripped and wetted the bark.”

It is recommended to prune maple trees now to prevent bleeding and to ensure you are pruning correctly.

Experts explain: “Simply remove misplaced or crossed shoots to encourage the growth of a good framework of branches.

“Where you need to reduce height and width, follow the long branches to a side branch and prune it back at that point.

“This is not necessary on prostrate growing trees as they need to be able to spread naturally to achieve the best effect.

“Always prune on a well-placed side branch. Do not leave a stub as it is often subject to rot and dieback.

When pruning, gardeners are advised to make sure to use clean, disinfected pruning shears to make clean cuts.

It’s also best to prune at an angle so that water falls down and doesn’t sit on top.

For young trees, prune them back to about 16 inches the first winter, then the second winter, prune back dead growth while shortening the main ones.

During the third winter, remove very low branches and shoots growing in the center of the tree.