Cutting back the first flush

theta

Mame
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I know the usual answer to when we're supposed to do this is after it hardens off, but this maple I have has just exploded with so much growth, I'm afraid it's shading out the lower shoots too much.

I think the leaves are starting to harden, they feel harder than the newer leaves and are darker green, but there's definitely more shoots extending in places still.

Is it OK to cut off every other leaf in some places to let light in, or should I just wait it out. I can't believe how much these new shoots have thickened already.
 

sorce

Nonsense Rascal
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You can just cut leaves or half leaves too.

Or wire growth out the way...

I just tie shoots together to move em.

Scissors aint everything!

Sorce
 

theta

Mame
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It's in the development stage. Yeah I probably need to throw some wire on there and move it up out of the way.
 
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