Japanese Maple – Growing a Vigorous Green Top from graft

Q: My Japanese maple started growing in a different direction. It took me a while to actually go close and see that I think there is a graft and now it’s like I have two different trees. Should I cut out the newcomer?

A: Yes – take out the green growth. Undoubtedly you have a purple-leaved Japanese maple grafted onto a green-leaved rootstock. The rootstock sprouted a limb and is now trying to take over the top of your plant.

Keep an eye out for this occurrence in the future. There is no way to prevent it but it’s a small task to correct.

maple sprout from under graft