Q: I need to remove the lower branches of my Drummond red maple so we can walk beneath the canopy. When is the best time to prune? — R.M., Houston A: Maples, like elms and birches, are bleeders ...

When to Prune Japanese Maple Trees Do the bulk of Japanese maple pruning in the late winter or early spring months, during the tree’s dormancy period and after the extreme cold has passed.

A: If you prune selectively, almost any time is the right time to prune a Japanese maple. With that said, these maples are most easily pruned in winter or summer.

Q: Our Japanese red maple tree was full of new leaves when the hard freeze hit. It is just now getting a few leaves again. Should I trim the tree back, or just wait and see what happens? I do not know ...

It’s much better to use mainly thinning cuts when pruning your laceleaf maple to bring out the natural beauty. Symmetrically prune out about one-third of the small twigs throughout the canopy.