Nice tree.

I might be tempted to get out the small bypass pruners and take off a couple of them tiny branches which will grow towards the ground and any rubbing branches. Looks like a good tree to me also though. I'm thinking maybe four, five cuts. Small stuff.

What were you thinking about doing?

Toronado, I have other Japanese Maples, but this Sangokaku seems to have many, many more tiny branches than the others, resulting in a heavily leaf-laden tree. Maybe this isn't a problem, but sometimes to my eye it just seems very leaf-heavy.

Also, as I understand it, the red bark is only apparent on new branches, so I thought that pruning of older wood on a Sangokaku would be beneficial.

Those are my thoughts as to why I might want to break out the shears.

Not being an expert of Japanese Maples, I only want to add that I agree with Toronado. No major pruning. I think the tree has a beautiful shape and surely must be gorgeous when leafed out.
James Maloy

I have one about 7 ft tall with more of a central trunk like a tree, not as bushy as this one. Mine has only been in the ground about 3 years. It's central leader is red, and all the stem growth. Only part that is not red (coral), is below the graft.

Pruning is a matter of taste, but I would definately take out any branches rubbing on another.

Otherwise very pretty tree, will be happy when mine fills out somemore.