Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Begin pruning your Chinese maple tree regularly the first year it is in the ground. Keeping the natural shape tidy will prevent a great deal of corrective pruning later.
2

Prune the tree during its dormant period in late autumn or winter. Do not try to form a Chinese maple into an artificial shape.
3

Cut away any diseased, broken, damaged or dead branches with sharp pruning shears. Remove any branches infected with insects. Dip the blades of the shears into a container of rubbing alcohol between cuts, to sterilize them and avoid spreading any disease.
4

Get rid of large cross-over branches, stunted branches, and branches that hang too low. Pinch off sprouts in areas where branch growth should be prevented. Trim branches that are too long by cutting them off at a joint.
5

Do not cut into the collar or leave vulnerable stubs. Cut back any stripped areas to a joint. Clean your pruning tools well after the job is done and store them safely for next time.