jap maple to shape or not to shape?

[greenhorn321]

When can I shape this thing? the trunk is a little over an inch thick, its about two and a half feet tall.

 

[linlaoboo]

depends on if you still want the trunk to thicken some more or not and how much triming you want to do. Major trimming will slow down the trunk growth.

 

[greenhorn321]

It got chopped to two thirds its size right before I bought it. I do want the trunk thicker but won't all the branches thicken? like the ones near the top that should be smaller?

 

[linlaoboo]

that's what I'm saying if you are still building trunk thickness, minor trimming is a ok but no major prunning or chopping or it will slow the trunk growth. Matter of fact put it in a larger pot or grow it in the ground to thicken it up. That said if the trunk is at or near the thickness you desire then by all means do what ever you want up top to shape it or even defoliate it to reduce leaf size, improve canopy and ramification, etc. IMHO