Keep up with the watering. Allow the leaves to drop naturally.
If you must re-shape it, wait until new growth starts in spring .. you may
have to cut out some dead wood then anyway. To stop it increasing in
height, cut back the leader. This should also help it bush out. Is it
flexible enough to wire (a la Bonzai) into the domed shape you require?
Don't attempt this over winter when the low sap has made the tree brittle.
Don't do anything too drastic; I'm sure it's a beautiful tree even in its
tall, narrow form.
Spider
Simon wrote in message
m...
I have a fairly large japanese Acer which is in a large pot on my
patio. Its about 5 foot in height. Unfortunately I've neglected to
water it enough in this hot weather and the leaves have partially
shrivelled up. Not all of them, but around 80%. The larger leaves
nearer the top seem least affected. All the leaves on the branches up
to two thirds up seems to be all affected.

I've never shaped the tree since it was first bought. It had doubled
in height and seemed to be doing very nicely. I've given the plant
lots of water now. But should I do anything else? Should I prune any
dead leaves away or just let them drop of naturally? Is this an
opportunity to prune the tree into a more traditional shape. Its
currently rather tall and narrow for an acer. I'd quite like it to be
more short and rounded like the expensive ones!

Any advice and assistance would be appreciated.


Si