I have a 1.5 year old Acer palmatum Shin deshojo growing in a moderate front garden with occasional shade. USDA plant zone 9b in Northern California.

The shin deshojo tree has what I think is an odd growth pattern. It has been growing like a weed, with *many many* branches sprouting. It is also growing to a very wide wild look. A photo is attached.

It is very unlike other Japanese maples I have in my yard. It has not changed color this Fall and has not dropped any leaves. Three other Japanese maples in my yard, all Bloodgood maples, have had a spectacular Fall coloring and have dropped most of their leaves.

For such a young Japanese maple I am surprised the shin deshojo is growing so very fast and with such an odd growth pattern. I have had several other Japanese maples that grow much more sedately. I find Japanses maples are easy to maintain and prune -- but not this shin deshojo.

Is the growth pattern of the Shin deshojo normal?

I am seriously considering replacing the shin deshojo maple.

So - my question -- Is this shin deshojo growth pattern normal? Why is it so wild??

It looks like Shindeshojo. The fall colors are right. Does it leaf out intensely red? Stem color is right. The shape is also right - this particular JM is known for its wild look and is sometimes described as 'low branching and shrubby.' The only non-JM thing about it is the growth rate. Are you fertilizing?

Fertilizing a Japanese Maple can result in faster than normal but weaker growth. Before purchasing another tree, research size, shape and color.

Personally, I like your tree.

Thanks for your notes. Very helpful.

I wish I had known about the wild look, low branching and shrubby. I would not have bought this tree.

No I am not fertilizing and did not fertilize when planted. I did plant for good drainage.

The wild growth has me stumped. I normally do not prune except in the winter when I can clearly see the pattern of branches, but this tree is growing so fast and so wild that I have sometimes pinched off branches. That has not really controlled the wild growth or encouraged a nice shape. This winter will be the tree's second one and the first when I can really try to shape the tree as I'd like. I like the layered, open fan look of Japanese Maples. This tree does not look like it will have that look at all. I am trying to decide whether to just replace it now, and catch a winter/spring for a new tree or wait it out until spring to see how it looks. It will be pretty with bright red, but *wild*!

Attached are photos showing the wild branching. Also attached is one similar photo of one of my Bloodgood maples' "gentle" branching. (Note the color -- which the Shin Deshojo is not showing at all this Fall.)

What is the description of the nodes that send out many many branches like this shin deshojo is? I am used to Bloodgood with pairs of opposed leaves at each node.

Shin Deshojo branching with multiple branches off each node:


Bloodgood Maple branching - basically two leaves per node:


It did leaf out bright red for its first Spring. One final photo attached:

Bloodgood is one of my favorite JMs for just the reasons you listed. But every JM variety has its own shape and growth habit. It you can't handle the "wild" look, yes replace it. Sometimes with age, JMs look better but it will never have the layered look of a Bloodgood (but few JMs do). In some JMs (I suspect this is one of them) pruning only encourages crazy growth.

I think this is what you can expect. Personally, I would keep it and appreciate the "wild" look. I really like it!
https://medallionplants.com/pl...

It may be that it was in the container for longer than normal and once it got into the ground all it's pent-up energy is being released. Give it a couple of years, with no fertilizer, and it will "calm-down" a bit and start to look like a more "normal" Japanese Maple. Don't do any drastic pruning or it will continue that habit. Prune lightly in late Spring to mid-Summer for a little shaping, but give it a few years to establish a shape.

Thanks Daisyl and CPPgardener -- good ideas for me.

Interesting that pruning can actually lead to more wild growth! Didn't think of that.

I'll probably let it go until this Spring and Summer. Maybe I'll come to like it. It is in a front yard focal point, so I'd like a good appearance.

Thanks again for your thoughts.