Acer pruning

[united4ever]

See pic. Never been pruned but getting a bit wild now. 7 years old.

I read about pruning branches that are growing back into the tree or crossing. Also told to prune branches pointing down There is no real dead wood.

What about the lanky ones that stretch out the furthest and then droop? Can they come off?

I realise it is outgrowing the space. Happy to have the height but want to limit it at the side and growing over the lawn too much.

Any advice welcome. Thanks

Yes you can prune it, and this time of year is best. However, might I suggest you wait a week or so until the leaves drop and you can see the shape of it properly? You can then prune it to a nice silhouette so it looks nice during the winter, without odd-looking chopped-off stubby branch ends. Try and end up with what looks like a nicely-shaped small tree rather than a stumpy bush. You can seal the cut ends with vaseline to help prevent disease getting in (don't laugh, it's true!).

Thanks, and is it normal to remove the lower branches to get the small tree look?

@united4ever

Thanks, and is it normal to remove the lower branches to get the small tree look?

You can do, and it would look nice if there is already just one main trunk, but if it has multiple trunks or you prefer it to be bushier, then that's fine too.

Do you know what variety it is?

Sadly don't know the variety. Bought it at Aldi 7 years ago when we moved here.