How do I prune/shape a maple tree?

Question:I bought one a few months ago, it's growing in a strange direction, i heard you are suppose to prune in the fall, I'm not sure. Please help, I really dont want a ugly tree in my yard!

Answers:
Hopefully it is a hard maple and not soft. I think the best time to prune is after the sap goes down or before it comes up. My own opinion is if it is a fast growing soft maple Don't prune it. They are prone to weakness and most people just keep topping them out causing them future damage.
How to Prune diagram and when to prune
North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/mecklenburg/dept...