i have a trident maple that have trunk structure and branching placement i am happy with. now i wanna develop branching ramifications. there are some questions regarding that
what means by first flush hardens is just the first pair of leaves that emerge in the spring and how to identify tree back in a energy positive state?
can i prune the tree after first pair of leaves hardens?
how many times normally a trident maple push growth in the spring and each time should we have to prune ? (that is heavily fed)
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As far as identifying when your tree is back in an energy positive, hardening off can be seen when the first flush of new spring growth has less of a juvenile coloration and physical feel to it. Newer leaves can often appear a lighter color at first, and can feel somewhat silky before the cuticle has hardened.
If we’re talking deciduous, there generally seems to be two major pruning times, one described above, and once more in the fall after leaves have fallen. On top of that, there’s a daily level of maintenance when it comes to rubbing off buds you don’t want, pinching new shoots, etc.
This is just what I’ve garnered from watching Mirai content, so I’d suggest “Deciduous Post-Flush Pruning” and “Japanese Maple” in the archives.
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If you are also ready to work on ramafication, you may want to back off on the fertilizer. Heavy feeding can make it hard to get that fine, tertiary branching.
Watch the Fertilizer 101 lecture so that you aren’t sabotaging yourself with the fertilizer.
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