Found this maple late last summer and from what i can tell is doing well. I was thinking about cutting it down above the second branch making that the new leader. What would you all do? I was also wondering if I should let it be for 1 or 2 years before .aking a cut like this?

Thoughts??

Thanks!

I dont ser many buds swelling ön that tree. It could be that it is too early where you live or that it is not as healthy ås you Think.

Based ön the Photo I would wait a season or two and then do the shop in steps over a few season. It is a severe cut and I am a coward. Other People might have a more drastic approach.

from the state of the soil and moss I would say it might be in need of re potting first. If buds are swelling then I think it would be better not to cut and allow to grow unchecked for this season after re potting possibly into a larger pot. Once the sap is moving it will bleed a lot so timing is critical. Or alternatively plant it in the ground for a couple of years.