Pruning Maki Trees

― An essential gardening task to allow wind and light to pass through and maintain a beautiful tree shape ―

I am Akihiko Tobita, a gardener and arborist from the Flower Life Research Association in Yokohama, your best partner for solving garden problems, one tree at a time.

One of the garden trees that has long been cherished in Japanese residential areas is the "Maki tree" (Podocarpus macrophyllus). It is often used for hedges, over-the-gate plantings, and as a focal point. As an evergreen that retains its green color throughout the year, it significantly influences the impression of your entryway and garden.

At first glance, Maki trees may seem sturdy and low-maintenance, but regular pruning is actually very important. If left unattended, the branches and leaves become dense, reducing airflow, which can lead to a decline in tree vigor and cause pests and diseases.

In this article, I will introduce the characteristics of Maki trees, key points for pruning, and tips for maintenance through an actual pruning job.

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Characteristics of the Maki Tree

Maki trees have strong growth and tolerate shearing well, allowing you to enjoy various shapes such as ball-pruned or tiered styles. Another feature is that the leaves are fine and grow densely, and new shoots emerge relatively quickly after pruning.

Also, because they are:

・Evergreens, you can enjoy the green color all year round
・Easy to shape and fit both Japanese and Western-style homes
・Easy to use as hedges or over-the-gate plantings
・Relatively resistant to pests and diseases

they are carefully nurtured for a long time in many homes.

However, while they are vigorous, neglecting maintenance can cause them to increase in volume in a short period, not only making them look heavy but also causing the interior to become stuffy and increasing the number of dead branches.

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The purpose of pruning is not to "make it smaller"

A common misconception about pruning Maki trees is the idea that "making it smaller is all that matters." However, the true purpose of pruning is:

・To let wind and light reach the interior
・To organize crowded branches
・To reduce the burden on the tree and keep it healthy
・To maintain a beautiful tree shape for a long time

These are the four main points.

If you only shear the surface like a hair clipper, it may look neat temporarily, but the branches inside remain packed. As a result, new shoots concentrate only on the outside, and year by year, it becomes a "tree that only expands outward."

In our work, we focus on "thinning pruning," where we not only shape the exterior but also go inside the tree to identify and thin out unnecessary branches one by one.

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Points I focused on for this pruning

This Maki tree had been well-managed for many years, but the volume of branches and leaves had increased, giving it a heavy impression overall.

Therefore, I focused on:

・Removing dead and weakened branches
・Organizing branches growing inward
・Adjusting areas where the center of gravity was off-balance
・Thinning branches inside the ball-shaped sections
・Adjusting the position of lower branches to ensure visibility

I was particularly conscious of creating a state where "you can see the sky when looking up from below." This improves airflow, prevents stuffiness, and helps prevent disease.

Also, for the ball-shaped sections, I didn't just round the surface; I reduced the amount of branches inside while maintaining a natural roundness. This ensures the beauty lasts longer after pruning and allows you to enjoy a comfortable space until the next pruning.

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The entryway is brighter after pruning

After the work, the whole tree felt lighter, and the impression of the entryway became much brighter. While retaining the unique presence of the Maki tree, the oppressive feeling was removed, and the balance with the building is now excellent.

By adjusting the lower branches, the view opened up, which also increased the sense of security in terms of crime prevention. Even a little bit of care for garden trees can significantly change the atmosphere of the entire home.

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Pruning timing and maintenance tips for Maki trees

The main pruning times for Maki trees are generally:

・Around June to July (after new shoots have settled)

・Around September to October (light autumn pruning)
However, for over-the-gate or shaped trees, one thorough pruning per year plus light maintenance as needed is recommended. The longer the period of neglect, the more severe the pruning required, which places a greater burden on the tree.

By trimming regularly, you can keep the tree shape beautiful and also prevent pests and diseases.

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Summary

While Maki trees are sturdy and easy to grow, they are garden trees whose appearance and health condition change significantly depending on the pruning method.

・Reduce branches to let wind and light pass through

・Perform pruning with the interior in mind

・Trim with an eye toward future growth
This accumulation of care is the secret to growing a long-lasting, beautiful Maki tree.
"It has become too voluminous lately"

"It hasn't been pruned for years"

"I want to make the entryway look neater"
When you feel this way, please feel free to consult with us.
Even a single garden tree can significantly change the impression of your daily life.

I will continue to strive for careful pruning work so that the gardens of everyone in the community can be as comfortable and secure spaces as possible.