What sort of seedling/type of maple? And how big is it? A photo could help........

Trying to upload a pic. Doesn't seem to want to

I'm not sure I see the need for any staking but then I am a big advocate of letting JM's grow the way they want :-) If you routinely turn the pot so that the tree is receiving light from all sides fairly evenly, you will probably see a straightening of the 'trunk' happen all on its own.

I'd much rather leave it be and let it grow in its own. I noticed it leaning to one side today. I'll take your advice and rotate it and see how that dose. Thank you for the advice. also since I have you here. Its in the pit in the pic still and it's outside. We have been getting one much needed rain so the soil is staying soaked. Is that ok or should I bring it in the garage? It's a bark based soil to btw

Awesome thank you

With a fast draining, bark based soil, it should be OK. I wouldn't worry about bringing them in until you get threatening cold temps - into the mid 20's.

Ok, we are getting into the 20s this weekend. I will make sure I bring them in then. Thank you for the help.

Your tree will look fine if you correct any unwanted tendency to lean with some directional pruning of the apex. Movement in the trunk offers the potential for a lot of character in JMs. ANY degree of leaning can be corrected by directional pruning. Of course it doesn't change the direction of any existing woody growth, but you can easily control the direction of the main trunk line and branch lines with directional pruning and a minimal amount of other types of guidance.

Al

Ok. Thanks for the information. I just decided to let it be and let nature take its course.