Here in Northern CA the japanes maples are beautiful, most are all leafed out.

I have a question about pruning. I don't want to prune much, but on one tree I simply do not like the direction the branch is taking, crossing back against the flow of the other branches. It is a thin branch and I think I can take that one off now without much worry.

The more problematic branch on a different tree is slightly thicker than a pencil. This branch splits and this thick part is not needed and detracts from the beauty of the tree. I figure it will bleed a bit. Should I wait until Fall to prune a thick branch like this? Or can some pruning/bleeding occur now with no consequences?

I can always wait of course. Thanks. FYI...the tree is 10 feet tall, very vigorous, burns dark red in Fall coloring.