Figure out your goals, this may include: Improve overall aesthetics/ design, prune for health, thin for light/ air, reduce or control in some manner, train ,maybe correct defects or fix damage. Does your tree need a haircut or a surgical operation?

Assess the conditions of tree, site, age and health; determine the variety or general type to understand what its form “should” be and understand its growth patterns and size potential. A maples site dictates how they’ll grow, in full sun they’ll grow fast, dense and more symmetrical. Overall health can be measured in how vigorous a plant appears and will dictate how much can/ should be pruned. Mature trees generally require the least amount of pruning while younger trees can tolerate heavier pruning.

Find the good: Prioritize structurally important limbs that define the trees architecture. Good structure will keep a tree strong and look its best; everything else is replaceable…

Removing deadwood is a good place to start. It will help a tree look more presentable, get some light in and make it easier to see what actual pruning needs to be done. This is the equivalent of a hair cut not surgery.