Will pruning make it grow back thicker?

Yes, light pruning stimulates the tree to grow new shoots from the buds below the cut. Just be careful not to remove too much at once.

Can I move my tree to a sunnier spot?

Yes, but do it in the early spring or late autumn when the tree is dormant. Acclimate it slowly to the new light levels to prevent leaf burn.

Striped maple: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of light the tree receives daily.
Check for nearby plants that might be shading it out.
Look for signs of new growth at the tips of the branches.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Possible
How to tell: The branches stretch out long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The tree looks sparse and reaches toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the tree to a location with more bright, indirect light. If it is in deep shade, prune back some of the surrounding canopy to allow more light to reach the branches. Do this gradually to avoid sunscald on the bark.
Improper pruning
Possible
How to tell: The tree has long, bare branches that lack interior foliage. This often happens if the outer tips are pruned too heavily while the center is ignored.
What to do: Focus on light, selective pruning to encourage branching closer to the trunk. Remove only a small portion of the branch tips during the dormant season. This helps the tree fill out and look more balanced.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your striped maple

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for a young tree to look a bit sparse as it establishes its structure. Worry only if the tree stops producing new growth or looks weak and spindly.

Stopping it coming back

Provide the right amount of light from the start and prune lightly to maintain a healthy shape. Consistent care helps the tree grow dense and strong.

Striped maple: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your striped maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will pruning make it grow back thicker?: Yes, light pruning stimulates the tree to grow new shoots from the buds below the cut. Just be careful not to remove too much at once.
Can I move my tree to a sunnier spot?: Yes, but do it in the early spring or late autumn when the tree is dormant. Acclimate it slowly to the new light levels to prevent leaf burn.

Why is my striped maple looking thin and leggy?