Pruning your Japanese maples

As you walk the streets of your neighborhood for a bit of exercise or walking the dog, you will, undoubtedly, see one or two Japanese maples (Acer palmatum or A. japonica) in front yards. Mine happen to be in the back yard where they can receive a bit of protection from the hot afternoon sun. Although I say “grown in the yard,” the smaller, dwarf specimens of these trees can also be grown in containers.