"Emery Davis" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 1 Aug 2007 16:13:24 +0100
"Emrys Davies" wrote:
Hello Emrys,

First, you should wait until the summer flush of growth is done.
Early fall
is a fine time, or early spring before the buds swell. In our climate
early
fall seems best. So long as the tree is not putting out new growth.

The cuts can be quite close, perhaps a quarter inch from the main
trunk.
This will enable the skin to heal well. Some like to leave a larger
distance,
but my opinion is it makes for a less graceful prune and has no effect
on the
health. Also if you prune too far out you risk getting sucker growth
from the
branch. This will be very colourful, but may defeat the purpose.

Common wisdom is currently that the wounds should be left untreated.
I have
never treated any of my Acer pruning wounds, and have no ill effects.

I'm interested in how much sun your Prinz Hanjery gets, and how well
it holds
its pink colour in spring. This cultivar was once thought to be a
replacement
for Brilliantissimum, because its purple under-leaf offers some
protection from
sun scorch and it's a slightly faster grower. Now 'Spring Gold'
appears to
be gaining in popularity, perhaps because the Prinz looks a little
dull in mid season?

I have 2 pink sycamores, 'Puget Pink' and 'Miracle Rose.' The former
seems to
underperform a bit, the latter has dark purple leaf undersides, holds
its colour
very well and doesn't seem to sun burn. I've long hesitated between
the Prinz
and Brilliantissimum, finally have decided to plant the older
cultivar. Well, almost.

Thanks a lot for the sound advice.

My tree is is full sunshine until about 6.15 pm and it holds its colour
for about six weeks or thereabouts. Even now it has a pleasing
yellowish colour.

Regards,
Emrys Davies.