Cutting Branches off Acer

[AcerMatt]

Hello

As a complete novice I wanted some advice on my Acer. There are some branches lower down which I want to cut off as it grows into the garden making it difficult to cut the grass etc.

Am I safe to cut the branches lower down or is there a safe amount I can remove without killing the tree.

 

[AcerMatt]

Here is a photo.

 

[Anniekay]

Yes, that's called "limbing it up". Wait until the tree is dormant this winter and leave the little wrinkly collar at the base of the branch where it attaches to the tree. That little collar is where the scar tissue which will grow over and cover the stump with bark grows out from.

It's safe to remove up to 1/3 of the canopy. Just removing your bottom few branches shouldn't come to more than 1/3.

 

[cpp gardener]

Love the duck!

 

[AcerMatt]

Thank you for the help and the compliment on the duck