Pruning Young Maple Tree

[Andrew Smart]

Hey experts,

I've read some pruning guides (i.e. https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-506-W.pdf), which is helping on general pruning techniques. I have a ~4yr old maple, wondering how I should do the first prune. I don't want to cause irreparable damage. Can some help markup the diagram to help me? Also wondering if I should wait for early spring (or how I split now pruning now vs. spring or even next fall).

Thanks!

 

[Gumneck]

If mine, I would wait till Feb in my area to prune it. (Mid Atlantic coast area)
You can prune now some but I dont do alot of heavy pruning until completely dormant. Plus telling you where to cut now is difficult with the leaves still there. May need some slightly closer pics to see better as well.

 

[Andrew Smart]

Thanks for the reply. I realized the image wasn't very good, I just uploaded another which shows a lot more detail. What about the cuts I marked in RED to remove some of the bottom branches? Also, should I remove what I marked in YELLOW - is this a codominant leader?

Also, for reference, this is in San Jose CA, night-time temps rarely go below 36, and almost no chance of any frost.

Thanks!

 

[Gumneck]

That's better. I would have no problem cutting the marks in red off anytime of year. You should be able to remove at the yellow mark too, it does look like it's trying to compete with the leader. I would leave the remainder of the tree alone till late winter early spring before bud break.

 

[Andrew Smart]

That is a lot of help, thanks!