Volunteer Maple in annual garden

Hello All,

Fairly new here but excited to see all the wisdom!

About two years ago I was thrilled to find a volunteer maple popped up in my annual garden. I let it grow until the next winter then potted it in the same soil, leaving it in the same space for sun. I have no clue what kind, though one with smaller leaves. There are three different varieties in neighbors yards. Recently made a forever space for it and figure the time to transplant is soon. It's now very lanky and I'm wondering if I should prune it before transplanting or if that is normal? Also, identification help would be great! Any advice on pruning, transplanting, ID or rooting cuttings appreciated, I'd love to back up some of our dying pines with them for wildlife, shade and mulch.

**I tried to attach pics but not sure if it was the correct method**

Hi,

I'm in the Northeast so my input may be of limited use to you. I can't say  what variety it is but I can say (assuming the red on the leaves is not a seasonal color change) its not a Silver maple, Sugar maple or a Norwegian maple.

I have never heard of pruning a maple. In my experience they tend to reach both high and wide. I also usually only see a few branches on young seedlings like yours has. So I wouldn't be worried about the lanky-ness. I would however be a bit concerned about the state of the taproot. Since maples are known to be so large you certainly want it to have a very strong root system, and the transplanting likely disturbed that. If you really want a maple I would suggest picking up the "helicopters" from your neighbors yard, sprouting them, and then planting directly where you want it.  

Best of luck getting an ID!

Looking into different varieties of Japanese Maple, possibly the Beni-Maiko?

Anyone have experience?