[muckyboots]

Hi all,I want to lightly prune my Sangukaku at the base to allow a little light in for under planting its about 8ft tall and 6ft wide.I dont want to damage it as is a fine tree and would like to know the best time to do it.

[snowdrops]

Best to do it Jan/Feb I think.

[sunshineband]

Acers should be pruned when they are completely dormant or they will bleed from the cuts.

Late November to end of February is about right

[Growster...]

Interesting query, Muckyboots, as we have a variegated Acer tree which is getting a bit buxom near the ground, and attacking us when we pass by!

I reckon we'll take off the lower branches, and let it grow into an adult tree, but it does mean that these lower branches, which provide such colour and shape, will have to go painlessly!

Deed will be done when dormant, as Snows and Sunny says!

Isn't it a pity when all these gorgeous fronds are kicked out!

[Asherweef]

Has anyone had any luck propagating their Acer? I have a fairly large one in the garden and - gasp - I don't like it! I recognise it's value as a desirable tree though so would like a few decent cuttings to pass on to family... (and maybe plant one elsewhere; the main reason I dislike it is because whoever originally planted the tree didn't plan for the future.)

[Kristen]

I think they may well be grafted.  Can you dig yours up?  I moved one in July (definitely not the best time!) which has been there for 20 or 30 years and is about 15' tall.  It has gone into Autumn-colour mode a month earlier than normal, but other than that looks healthy.  Took a huge rootball with it (using JCB) and watered well all Summer before and after moving.

Failing that flog it on eBay for "Buyer digs up"?

[snowdrops]

Interesting query, Muckyboots, as we have a variegated Acer tree which is getting a bit buxom near the ground, and attacking us when we pass by!

I reckon we'll take off the lower branches, and let it grow into an adult tree, but it does mean that these lower branches, which provide such colour and shape, will have to go painlessly!

Deed will be done when dormant, as Snows and Sunny says!

Isn't it a pity when all these gorgeous fronds are kicked out!

Bring the bare stems inside & decorate for a certain festive time,that's what I did. put them in the porch with a few lights & pink baubles on( stems were red). Much admired & will most probably do again this year as we have some more to trim.

[Growster...]

What a great idea, Snows!

We sometimes do that with dogwood stems, but never thought of using the acer for this!

Just right for Easter, as you rightly say..;0)

[Asherweef]

I think they may well be grafted.  Can you dig yours up?  I moved one in July (definitely not the best time!) which has been there for 20 or 30 years and is about 15' tall.  It has gone into Autumn-colour mode a month earlier than normal, but other than that looks healthy.  Took a huge rootball with it (using JCB) and watered well all Summer before and after moving.

Failing that flog it on eBay for "Buyer digs up"?

Glad for your success Kristen - Unfortunately I don't have a JCB! Mine is about 6ft high but quite wide - what would you estimate my rootball is? Could try buyer digs up but I know who will be left with the mess...!

[snowdrops]

Usually a trees roots are as wide as the leaves 

[Asherweef]

Usually a trees roots are as wide as the leaves 

Whoops - am I embarrassing myself?(!)

[snowdrops]

No not at all,asking questions is how we all learn Or by making costly mistakes

[Kristen]

Could try buyer digs up but I know who will be left with the mess...!

Nice, large, Acers fetch a tidy sum, so you might be left with a mess but also some cash to clear it up with and buy a replacement

eBay can go either way of course ...

Cheapest place I know of for Acers is Paramount Plants.  Their (fairly bog standard) Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum 140-160cm is £75
http://www.paramountplants.co.uk/plant/ACERPA/acer-palmatum-atropurpureum.html
but if you have a more fancy variety it could easily be worth £200 for a 6-footer.

[muckyboots]

Sorry for not responding sooner i'v been away,thanks for all the interesting  replies I will wait till all the leaves have fallen and in December grit my teeth and assume a softly softly approach to the pruning.I might have a go at some cuttings with the offcuts.Cheers all