here's a closer view of that branch in question.

also, here's a different branch that is getting longer from a different angle.

the tree is healthy and really no need to cut off that branch.

but for aesthetics, it doesn't really fit. i have pruned off lateral branches off my JMs and other trees.

Take off the green flagging tape if it is wrapped around any of the stems.

Thanks everyone for your input. The green tape was to hold a sagging stem :)

I'll go ahead and leave it alone. I thought "leader" was for all trees. Good info.

I'm perhaps a bit more manipulative and daring? I would not remove the branch, but would have a fun time holding it down, taking off some of the lower 'sucker' leaves. I have a few that size and i have copper wire, through bits of clear tubing where it contacts the stems, holding branches in sweeping forms in directions i want. Attached to heavy rocks. One has four holds. Three branches are sweeping left and one i have water falling forward. I remove all leaf forms directly on stems, about the lower third of the overall plant. Such a flexible and satisfying plant to shape...the earlier the better. They seem to like it. Just my opinion.

Sagging stem? I would roll it forward and twist it in a half circle forward and around to the left. Tied and held by stake or two. (i've never kept one in a pot)
Is it common to keep JM's in nursery pots for long? Just does not look natural or very organic to their obvious need to be connected to the soil and surrounding green.

sleevendog, can you share some pictures of your maples in how you shape them?

I did try and take pics, really i did...
They just are out now and in full leaf.
Because of the surrounding foliage, they looked like sticks, and now full of leaf bloom!
I have three that are 50 yrs old and babies i find a fun challenge to bend where i see it.
They are very flexible and respond very well to bends, especially when young.
Out of town for the weekend but i do like to share pics...

I would cut it off without hesitation. The plant won't miss it enough to matter. Where the branch leaves the trunk won't get any higher as the tree grows, and if left, will always be in the way and harder to remove in the future. It's an upright maple, not a weeper. Is snow or ice load a potential problem where you live? if so, prune accordingly.
I too, have all sorts of fun shaping Japanese maples, but I do it by pruning only. Not that it's better, but that's what I like. Timing is almost as important as where you prune.
Mike

mikebotann, I'm in the Bay Area, California.

Do you know when is the best time to prune in my area? I read mix suggestions (some said early spring or anytime). I have over 10+ Japanese maple trees that I want to prune for the first time.

Thanks in advance,

Hi May888. I have some question regarding your dragon fruit. Let me know if we can discuss about it. Thx. My email: huongle0102@yahoo.com

I would not cut it off - it looks like one third of the tree's main branches (three total?) Seems like you would end up with a fork at the top. I like the tree the way it is.

It's very lovely too - I think I want a Peaches and Cream now.