when can I prune my Japanese maple?

Question

I need to cut back some of the branches, the tree is getting too big for the area it is in.

Answer 1

Dean, You can prune your Japanese maple now or anytime during the dormant season. Avoid spring season pruning due to growth response and bleeding, but summer touch up thinning and shaping can be done in July - September.
I caution you not to prune too heavily or you will invite a vigorous growth response in spring that can create excessive growth and more maintenance pruning.