Pruning Japanese Maple and Selecting Shade Trees for Two-Acre Lot

Japanese Maple pruning: late winter/early spring before leaf-out. Remove dead, crossing, and inward-growing branches. Enhance natural form—don't shear. Cut to branch collar.

For 2-acre former ag field: medium shade trees (30-50 feet) with good form: Linden, Thornless Honeylocust, Red Oak, Tulip Tree, Black Gum, and Kentucky Coffeetree. Avoid: Silver Maple, Bradford Pear, Willow (weak wood, invasive roots).

Visit local nursery for regionally adapted cultivars. Consider: fall color, wildlife value, growth rate, and mature spread. Plant in groups for impact, not scattered individuals.

Soil test first—ag fields often need pH adjustment and organic matter. Plant in fall for best establishment.