zube

I've always heard that Kiyohime are sensitive to top pruning. They also very often tend to grow wider than taller. It's just how they are. It doesn't have anything to do with being a dwarf, I wouldn't think. There are dozens of dwarf Japanese maples that do not exhibit any of this behavior. Mine can't take much sun, even here on the coast. I keep it in my shadiest spot, probably only gets 2-3 hours of direct sun in the morning. Another trait, at least for my tree and a few others that I know of, is leafing out early. This tree had tiny leaves poking out of the buds before New Year's.
Neil, the tree is 16" tall and 18" wide (not counting the pot). The trunk is 3½" wide at the base flair, probably more like 1½" above that. I've only had it 2 years. The first year I fried the leaves in the sun, and I repotted it last year, so I haven't done too much serious pruning on it.
Take care,
zube

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