North Chinese fire maple (Acer ginnala) impresses with robust properties that can compete with domestic field maple. Its excellent winter hardiness and pronounced location tolerance are topped by a tolerance to cutting that other Asian maple species completely lack. This guide explains when and how to expertly prune a fire maple tree.
When and how should you prune a fire maple?
Fire maple (Acer ginnala) should be cut twice a year: in autumn after the leaves fall and shortly before spring budding. Cut branches that are growing out of shape, remove cross-growing shoots and thin out dead wood. Make sure to cut on frost-free and dry days without direct sunlight.
Cutting window is open twice a year
Twice a year you have the opportunity to regulate the growth of the fire maple with scissors. For the first time, the time window opens after the leaves fall in autumn. A date in November on a frost-free day is perfect for the measure. There is another opportunity to prune in spring, shortly before fresh shoots appear.
Cutting into old wood is possible – instructions for making the cut
When caring for fire maple, you can rely on its stable regenerative ability. Cultivated as a large shrub, hedge plant or small tree, the deciduous tree sprouts happily even after a cut into the old wood. If you aim for a dense structure from the base, an annual topiary should be in the range of one- and two-year-old wood. In addition, there is a thinning cut. How to cut fire maple correctly:
- Pruning fire maple on a frost-free, dry day without direct sunlight
- Cut branches growing out of shape to the desired length
- Best cutting point is just above a bud
- Remove shoots growing inwards or crosswise
- Cut off the weaker branch of two rubbing branches
- Thimout dead wood at the base without leaving any stubs
We recommend rejuvenating the shrub or crown every three to five years. To do this, select three to four of the oldest branches and cut them off. This creates space for the growth of young shoots and effectively prevents aging.
Tip
There is a risk of confusion with an Asian maple variety that also goes by the name fire maple and is classified as a Japanese maple (Acer japonicum). These are similarly sensitive to cuts and susceptible to frost damage as delicate slot maple varieties. The best time for pruning is in early spring, when the first shoots appear.
