I would probably prune two of the three branches on the right that are growing close to each other.

Now why couldn't I figure that out....? Now that you say that it makes perfect sense. :) So then I would take the center one and stake it to be the leader?

Thanks!

KLC,

You don't need to prune. Right now is not a good time for major prunning. A young tree like yours will not benefit from losing a good percentage of its wood all at once.

I suggest let it grow and get established. Make any cuts after a lot of consideration. Only cut a little at any time.

Nice plant, good luck.

I'm going to suggest something in between the two previous suggestions :-) I'd remove the center one of the three branches on the right that are emerging in close proximity, otherwise no other pruning is required. herman is correct.......generally young trees should be left to develop some before serious pruning is considered but the conjunction of the three branches together will only pose a more difficult problem down the road. And at this point in time, it is an insignificant loss to the tree.

And we need to move away from the notion that all trees need 'leaders'. Shade trees or those that develop spreading canopies do not need leaders and generally will not develop anything that could be clearly defined as a leader - the arboriculture term is "decurrent". Maples in particular are not inclined to develop leaders and there's no point in encouraging them to do so. Unless you are attempting to increase or direct the upward growth of a weeping form. Much of the attraction of Japanese maples is the free-form and sculptural growth habit.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts.

Gardengal...I understand what you are saying about "leaders". Does this mean it does not need staked? I also have a Beni Otaki that I was wondering if it needed staked, about the same size as the fireglow above.

I wouldn't stake it. I still say whack 2 of the 3 that are close :-) I'm pretty aggressive when it comes to pruning my JP maples. I've found that when I let them go for a while, I inevitably end up cutting what I originally thought had to go, but now the tree has wasted time and energy on something that I've pruned off anyways.

Here's the thing when I see that picture that you posted. Those 3 branches will either cross, or there will be branching that crosses. I see it as aesthetically disturbing, and a bit of a maintenance pain.

Did you plant this in ground, or is it in a container?

Warren

It is still in a container, will re-pot in a slightly larger container soon.

You will stunt the tree's growth if you prune after they leaf out. Wait until the tree has lost it's leave this fall and take out the center one on the right side. The lowest one needs to go too after the tree has gotten a little older. It's too low. It will be difficult to work around it.