Well, actually the verdict is still out on whether or not sealing is the right thing to do with maples. If you are going to do it make sure it is a soft waxy material that breaks off easily to prevent healing confinement. Many wound sealing compounds are too hard and constrictive IMO.

Correct me if I'm wrong but another issue with sealing is that it seals disease on the inside of the sealer? This may not be a problem if it gets cold enough to kill the diseases living on the bark, but down south it never gets that cold. So if you do seal make sure everything is very clean.

Sealing, painting or covering pruning cuts is not recommended. It is best to make a good, clean cut with a sharp tool at the branch collar (or point of origin) and allow the tree to scar over and seal the wound itself. Sealing pruning cuts has been shown to actually inhibit the natural compartmentalization and healing of pruning wounds, increase the incidence of decay and the potential for insect or pathogen infiltration.

I have read some recent studies where a sealant helped the healing process, but I have also read where they caused more damage than good. I personally prefer to let the natural healing process for the tree kick in.

How large are the branches/cuts you are making to prune this tree? If the tree is healthy and fast growing, anything under two inches across should not need any treatment. Three inch cuts don't usually become infected by fungi, but there is some risk. If they are 4 inches or over you should use the liquid copper fungicide I have been promoting in these forums for the last 6 months or so. I have made about a half dozen posts on the subject, so to avoid repeating myself and boring others, I suggest you do a search of these forums using "copper fungicide." And when the topics appear (only the topics that contain posts searched appear, not the specific posts themselves), scroll through quickly to find those that end with my tag, "--Spruce," and you will find the relevant posts. If you have any questions, come back here and I will be more than happy to answer.

--Spruce