a tangled Mess Japaneese Acer

[Ken the Chef]

My acer that grows over my pond is well and truly a tangled mess can anyone tell me if i should trim/prune and when and how

[Nicos]

...I just used to chop off the offending bits near to the branch, but so as to keep the shape.

That's not a clear description is it???

I'd suggest Autumn through to Spring , but not when you are expecting a frost.

this might help a little??

Japanese Maple / RHS Gardening Advice

[hamsterhead]

I tend to give mine a trim once all the leaves have fallen. It doesn't seem to harm them for the next year.