"Gary" wrote in message
...
I have a japanese maple lace leaf tree that is currently about 1.5 feet
high. It has a diameter of approximately 3.5 - 4 feet. The way it is now
it looks more like a low growing shrub. The problem is I want it to get a
little taller. I would prefer it to get about 3.5 feet tall. But it
seems
since the branches are so long and filled with leaves that it is keeping
the tree from getting taller. I realize it is a slow process, but it just
keeps getting wider. I figured if I cut some of the branches so it isn't
as wide it might grow taller. The weight of the branches seem to bend the
main trunk down to one side. Plus I think it would look a little better
if
it wasn't as wide. The tree is very healthy. Is it safe to cut the
branches? How much? Is now a good time to do it (MAY)?

I think that pruning Japanese maples ruins their natural shape. If it
doesn't look good, it is probably planted in the wrong spot. I doubt that
it will get taller because you prune it. Conventional wisdom says that
plants become fuller when you prune them because they tend to branch near
the point where you cut them. Look around at the trees that the power
company cuts. You can read more about pruning your maple here. It should
answer your specific questions:
http://www.sabot.org/articles/maple.html