Learn the art, science of pruning Japanese maples

By Sequim Gazette Staff • May 25, 2022 1:30 am
Photo by Keith Dekker Join Clallam County Master Gardener Keith Dekker for “The Art and Science of Pruning Japanese Maples,” a Green Thumb Gardening Tips Zoom presentation, set for May 26 on Zoom.
Photo by Keith Dekker Join Clallam County Master Gardener Keith Dekker for “The Art and Science of Pruning Japanese Maples,” a Green Thumb Gardening Tips Zoom presentation, set for May 26 on Zoom.

An important facet of Japanese maple care includes the proper way to prune them, gardening experts note, because effective pruning will improve the look and vigor of the tree.

Join Clallam County Master Gardener Keith Dekker for the Green Thumb Gardening Tips Zoom presentation, “The Art and Science of Pruning Japanese Maples,” scheduled for noon-1 p.m. Thursday, May 26, on Zoom.

Dekker will talk about the history of Japanese Maples and their main growing habits. He will discuss the proper pruning tools and detail why it is important to take good care of them.

He will instruct attendees on the proper way to make pruning cuts, what time of year to do your pruning and mistakes to avoid.

Join the Zoom by clicking on the link on the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar at extension.wsu.edu/clallam. Or, join by phone at 253-215-8782 (meeting ID 920 0799 1742, passcode 709395).

Dekker has been involved in horticulture for more than 45 years.

For the past 30 years, his career has focused on the comprehensive care of residential landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

As a Clallam County Master Gardener and active volunteer with PlantAmnesty, he contributes to his community by teaching classes and giving talks to promote best practices for successful, sustainable gardening.

“I have concentrated on the fine pruning of trees and shrubs for decades. Japanese maples have become my favorite trees to prune,” Dekker said.

Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series seeks to provide home gardeners with education on research-based sustainable garden practices in Clallam County.

The series is offered via streaming presentations from noon-1 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one program is offered). Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.

For more information, call 360-565-2679.