Japanese red dragon maple trees are ideal for urban landscaping, as they only grow 12 to 15 feet high. The trees have a natural fan shape that can be refined by pruning when the tree is still young. With their brilliant red fall foliage, Japanese red dragon maple trees are a gorgeous addition to any landscaping project.
Instructions
1. Cut off dead or diseased branches. Although you can prune Japanese red dragon maple trees any time of the year, they are easier to prune in early spring, when leaves don't completely cover the shape of the tree. In the early spring, dead branches without leaves are also easy to notice.
2. Trim the tree into a fan shape so the branches rise up and arch over, one above the other, without touching the branch below. Trim off any of the main branches that don't conform to this general shape.
3. Trim off any side branches that cross each other, or that cross a larger, main branch.
4. Prune off about 3 inches from the tips of the remaining branches. This will encourage the tree to develop side branches and enhance the tree's fullness.
