When pruning a maple tree brances, how close should I cut then to the trunk?

Question

In other words, how long should the stubs be left? On one hand, I heard I don't want them right up to the trunk as it's bad for the tree; on other, it doesn't look good if they are sticking out.

Please advise.

Answer 1

there is a swelling, or thickening at the base of the branch where it joins the trunk of the tree...it's called the ' branch collar'...it is in that area that your cut can heal the best and it's close enuff that over time, as the trunk increases in size that the stub doesn't stick out much.... read here....

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_prune/cuts.htm

lots of good info there.. including the --'next'--pages.....be advised, maple pruning should be carried out when the tree is in full leaf.... late summer to early autumn... otherwise it will bleed a lot of sap and the cut will not heal as fast.....

Answer 2

From:
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/plantfinder/japanese_maple-2.asp

"Japanese Maple trees are fine without any pruning, they will form their natural shape with no need for your intervention.

They do appreciate a bit of help though when the central area becomes over-crowded. This can stop air circulating and make the trees more prone to fungal diseases. Every two or three years when the leaves have fallen, prune out any diseased or damaged wood. If the central part of the tree looks overcrowded, prune some of the stems and smaller branches, but maintain the overall shape of the tree."

Answer 3

Since I see nothing in your question that indicates it is a japanese maple then it must be either a hard maple or a soft maple.
If it's a soft maple most people over top off/prune and cause severe damage and disease making it necessary to remove the entire tree because of weakness.
Hard maple is actually the best.
My opinion is if it's soft maple cut it down now and put hard maple in.
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Problems: Maples may be troubled by borers, aphids, scales, leaf spots, tar spot, anthracnose, bacterial leaf scorch, canker and collar rot. Some fast-growing maples (red and silver maple) are soft-wooded (“soft maples”) and prone to breakage in ice storms. Slow-growing maples have hard wood (“hard maples ”) and require less maintenance.
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1016.htm
Images of cuts in this link
http://www.treehelp.com/howto/howto-prune-a-tree.asp