Original Post - Back in 2005
https://japanesemaples.blogspot.com/2005/10/i-heard-of-red-bamboo-and-always.html
I have had this Beni Otaki since 2005, so technically 18 years! Wow, time flies when you are having fun :D
In March 2021, I pruned my Beni Otaki tree and attempted to give it a compact style. However, I ended up pruning too much and my wife, who had previously wanted the tree to be smaller, was surprised by the amount of pruning. I was worried that I may have harmed one of my favorite Japanese Maple trees.
I began by simply trimming and styling, but eventually started removing larger sections of the plant. To balance it out, I removed even more. I realized I had gone too far with my pruning. The attached photo was taken a few seasons ago.
I have extensively pruned Japanese Maple trees in the past, but never to this extent. I was worried about the consequences. Fortunately, new growth started to appear in the Spring of 2022, much to my relief. The tree is not yet back to its desired appearance, but it is recovering. I need to be more cautious in the future and remember that patience is key, and not to prune too much at once.
By far, Beni Otaki is still one of my favorite Japanese Maple, especially when all the leaves appears like red bamboo. I have to take a picture soon when those leaves turns Bamboo shape :)
