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Originally Posted by Ralph
In answer to question 1, specifically to Japanese maples, you will not want to perform any work on this tree while growing it out. Any work done, will only slow it's growth down, and lengthen the time you need to grow it to desired size.
You can work on branches and leaf size once you have the desired trunk caliper and shape. Maples are easy to grow new branches, and heal scars quickly.
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You have to chop it down and regrow a new leader constantly or else you tree will have no taper and huge heavy branches that when pruned will leave huge scars. By pruning, you can force branching low on the tree which will thicken the lower part of the tree more quickly than just growing outright.
Maples also don't grow new branches easily where there isn't a node. If you aren't careful in selecting branches and controlling growth you will have certain sections of the tree where you will not get branches unless you graft.
In my limited experience, I have not found japanese maples to heal scars quickly, idk if that is a function of climate or technique, but any time I cut into hardwood it takes a while to scar up.