Help Pruning Oshio-Ben Japanese Maple

Mars, PA

Help! I haven't a clue as to how to prune this Japanese maple. The tree looks to dense to me--like it needs to be thinned. It looks more like a shrub. Aren't these supposed to be more light, airy looking trees? If anyone can tell me how to prune one (or recommend a resource), I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Illinois, IL(Zone 5b)

Within reason, they can be anything you want them to be, but try to respect their natural form. Remove dead and damaged wood first, then remove branches thet grow parallel to others or that grow out of the general configuration of the rest of the tree's habit. Then step back and see what's left, and stop for now before you take off more than about 25% of the twigs. You can follow up next year with some more pruning, depending upon how it responds this season.

Guy S.

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