Deadwood

Today was the first time this spring that it was nice enough to get out into the garden. The snow is finally melted and now the cleanup begins. 

I began with  an annual necessity - the clipping of dead wood from the Dwarf Maple along the Dragon Spine area. Doing this early ensures that all the new energy needed for growth goes to where it needs to be within the limbs. It also cleans up the tree and frees up space for future foliage. 

It takes a while because you do not want to clip off living material.

I find it easier to use a small clipper and then let the branches fall to the ground. 

This is also a good time to think about trimming the tree back a bit, but I find it difficult to do without foliage. It’s harder to visualize, so I often wait until later in the garden season.

When I am all done, I rake them up and dispose of them in the back woodlot.

It doesn't take long, just care. Some may think it tedious, but I enjoy the meditative concentration it requires when clipping.

Many people often buy these Dwarf Maples and then ignore them and let them grow large and full of foliage. This is not always good for the tree. It will require maintenance several times each garden season. Keeping it trimmed will improve the esthetic look of the tree and improve its long term health, so be prepared before you plant one - they need love and care.