51cg

Hi my acer has got a bit on the bushy side and I want to prune it back in to shape but being a relatively new to BonsaiI am worried that I may over prune it.
I have read about pruning and watched videos but still unsure whats best to do.
Any advice on trimming the top especially shaping it will be appreciated.
Many Thanks?

I cannot tell where the branches are or how thick or long they are. The best advice would be to thin the leaves so that air and light is getting to the branches on the inside, or under the branches. Try to cut back the extensions to two buds. Bear in mind that the species has one flush of growth and this is it. So what you remove will not be replaced this year. You can also partially defoliate by removing the larger leaves leaving the petiol (stem) of the leaf. This will also allow more light into the interior. Have you looked for a local club where there will be members who could help by seeing the tree which we can't do.

Thank you for your advice.
I will contact the gentlemen I brought it from and see if he can help me prune it back in to shape.
I wanted to prune it myself but need? to.listen to advice and not ruinen the tree this season.
Thank you again.

Yes, good idea, I am sure he will advise you what to do. It is far easier to see what is needed when the tree is in front of you, rather than on a screen. Once you have done it then you will be able to do it next time.

Too me this looks like a fairly established tree with the branches already placed? In that case it is a question about maintenance pruning, not styling. That should be possible to do yourself without guidance. Cut 1-4 nodes from this years growth. 1 on the week branches and 4 on the strongest. When it is done over the whole tree. Take a step back and look at the silouette. If something is sticking out weardly, just take apropriate decitions.

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