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!!!

yes, it is a soft maple.

Answer 1

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/depts/hort/john/prune/#How%20to%20prune

Answer 2

it may have a diesease tell you what you can do if you wont to keep the tree as long as its not a silver maple which if it is your better off letting it die because it will cause more harm than good a silver maple will grow on top of the ground they will also grow into the septic tank cement drive ways but if it a red,sunset,october glory try this cut the tree off about 4 inches above the ground and let it start all over keep the sucker off but leave 1 that is good and straigth it will in a year take over the stump and make a new tree i have worked in the nursery 20 years and we do this all the time hope i have helped you