i see no need at all ...

there are very few rules which depend on the tree itself..

a tree is a tree ...

what changes.. is what your goal is ... e.g.: height as i noted in your other post??? ..

we dont really prune.. on a calender.. or for no real reason ...

define your goal ... and how and what you prune becomes apparent ...

i might pull the mulch back an inch or two from the trunk itself .... in any soil.. other than my 100% mineral sand.. you dont want any retained moisture on bark ... its not made for such... as roots are ...

where are you.. that z6b looks so toasty.. it was 3 degrees in MI this morning ....

ken

I'm on the northern end of what's considered middle TN. It was an unseasonable 55 or so today. So I was happily looking for any excuse to spend my day off outside! :-)

Goals = have a nice, healthy ornamental tree.

My reason for posting these all today was a) I was outside & thought it would be a good idea and b) With the leaves off, it's easier (for me, anyway) to look at/notice the branch structure.

I didn't see anything I wanted to prune, but wanted another set of eyes to take a look & teach my untrained eye. ;-)

nothing wrong with that ...

ken

Again, try maple forum as there are some experts there. Around here we only do big pruning in dormant season. Smaller wood in May. J maples are a tree that I would not hesitate to look for a consulting arborist/aesthetic pruner. It is useful to develop a plan for the tree and prune accordingly, which is generally a multi-year, ongoing project. With thoughtful pruning you can enhance the beauty, structure and value of these lovely trees.

Sara

I agree with the other Ken, It looks okay. Sooner or later our Mother will prune it for you with a nice spring freeze or ice storm or blistering drought or straight line winds or... Clarksville area? I'm between Murfreesboro and McMinnville.