u/FineEquipment1272

So my Japanese maple def has dead branches, needs some thinning and lifting off the ground but I see lots of mixed advice on timing and shape.

I know best time to prune is before leafing out but since that has happened already, can I safely prune in summer? And should that pruning just be light thinning + dead branches or could I do a bit more heavy thinning?

Appreciate all advice!