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Acer. What's the worst that can happen?

B3B3 Posts: 25,231
in Plants
I have a mature, healthy acer but there's a bit on the side that needs to go.
I tried to do the right thing last year, but we didn't have much of a winter here so I left it.
If the same thing happens next year  and I lop off a bit, what's the worst that can happen?
I'm not aiming to chop off a main trunk or anything. The biggest branch would be about an inch or so in diameter.
In London. Keen but lazy.

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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,284
    I had a similar dilemma with my 30ish yr old acer.
    There were 3 branches overhanging the public footpath, all less than 1" dia. and due to mild winters there wasn't a right time, so in January (2 years ago) I cut off the branches.
    The wounds bled for nearly 1 month but did eventually heal. 

    For the last 2 years the leaves on that side of the tree (north) were about 1/3 the size of the leaves on the un pruned branches on the rest of the tree, but the branches are still alive and growing.
    Those branches aside it's looking fantastic and not long to go now until it's on fire with colour again
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 25,231
    Thanks @Pete.8. I think I can live with smaller leaves for a while but I'll hope for a short hard snap in the winter before I do the deed.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,284
    Fingers crossed for a really bad winter then 😂
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 25,231
    It's an ill wind...... @Pete.8😀
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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