acers

Four years ago I bought a Butterfly Acer and last year it was growing a bit straggly so I trimmed it well.
Now the growth is there but it has lost its variegated colouring and is just a plain green.
Any advice will be gratefully accepted

 

Most varigated plants like shade and growing in full sun will reduce the varigation. Acer Palmatums grow under tree canopies in the wild and so prefer a bit of shade and dont like wind. Not sure what a butterfly acer is but if its a small leaf type and slow growing rather than a sycamore type then consider above.

Maybe look to reposition position of the tree.

 

They do say that you should cut out the plain green or it will take over, However with Acers the pruning has to be done at the right time or it will bleed. I could be wrong but it's about all I know.

 

Japanese maples are renowned for their interesting shapes and colours
Butterfly naturally grows as a 'vase' shape
A little pruning seldom does any harm, but if you pruned excessively you will lose the 'character' of the tree
Your tree has priobably been stressed by the heavy pruning, and I would guess that it will recover its variagation, probably for next year

 

Thanks for all your replies.
I have now decided to place it beneath the magnolia tree for protection from the wind and sun.
I have also decided NOT to prune so harshly next time.
The original variegated leaf is a delightful combination of white, pink and green leaf