How to Care for a Weeping Japanese Maples in the Winter

Caring for Japanese Maples in snow regions

Now is the time to examine and prune 'Weeping' varieties of Japanese Maples where snow is a common occurrence.   

With the leaves off the tree, finally you can see the structure and it’s key supports.  The nature of the plant is to produce an abundance of branches and branching, many of which can cause problems because of the 90 degree structure of trunk-to-branch relationships.

This 3” caliper* Japanese Maple (right), has been cabled to support the crotch** shown in figure 1, and is thinned every winter,  (like now), to reduce the chances of snow load, (known as fulcrum effect), on the branch attachment.  This can result in branches ripping right off the tree!  

Pruning by 1/4 to 1/3 of canopy;  all inward growing branches; all crossing branches and all duplicate branches such that you can easily see through the canopy.  

This should be performed annually.

Have a question about your garden; plant or tree?  Ask 'The Garden Tutor'.

Improving the Nature of Cities and Towns: Urban and Community Forestry Program

Improving the Nature of Cities and Towns: Urban and Community Forestry Program

A publication brought to you by  USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry

Community trees are part of a vital resource-the urban and community forest. This forest is made up of the trees in yards, along streets, beside rivers and streams, in parks and other green space areas, and around the buildings in your community. Because of their close proximity to people, urban and community forests are dynamic ecosystems where humans interact with trees, other vegetation, soil, wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources. For partner organizations, space is available on the back panel to overprint your organization's contact information.

Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States

Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States

Brought to you by the US Forest Service

One common issue facing our urban forests is the fact that trees are dying prematurely. Many are planted improperly, setting them up for failure. Many do not receive regular maintenance. And few are adequately protected during construction projects. To help remedy this issue, the Forest Service has created this Tree Owner’s Manual.

Just like the owner’s manual that comes with automobiles and appliances, the Tree Owner’s Manual includes a parts list, instructions for installation, tips for troubleshooting common issues, recommended service, and more.

Learn more and download your guide here...

Improving Your Tree Health

Improving Your Tree Health

Original source: treesaregood.com

While trees are dominant ornamental features in your home landscape, they share this area with turfgrasses, shrubs, and other plants. All these plants are bedded in a common resource: the soil. The roots of trees, shrubs, turfgrass, and bedding plants intermingle and compete for water and nutrients. The roots of a single mature tree may extend well into your lawn or flower beds.

Every treatment applied to the lawn (fertilizer and herbicide, for example) can impact the appearance and vitality of a tree. Conversely, treatments applied to a tree, such as pruning and fertilizing, can influence the appearance and vitality of the underlying turfgrass. The care of each plant in a landscape can affect the health of every plant in that landscape.  Learn more about improving your tree's health...

Benefits of Trees is Social, Communal, Environmental, Economic

Benefits of Trees

Original Source: treesaregood.com

The benefits that trees provide from social, communal, environmental, and economic perspectives.

Most trees and shrubs in cities or communities are planted to provide beauty or shade. While these are excellent benefits, woody plants serve many other purposes. The benefits of trees can be grouped into social, communal, environmental, and economic categories.

Human response to trees goes well beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. We are “at home” there.

The calming effect of nearby trees and urban greening can significantly reduce workplace stress levels and fatigue, calm traffic, and even decrease the recovery time needed after surgery. Trees can also reduce crime. Apartment buildings with high levels of greenspace have lower crime rates than nearby apartments without trees.  Learn more here...