Acer Pruning

[emperor]

I have an ornamental Purple Acer here in Cornwall, which has reached its full height.
It's 13 years old, approx 4 m. high and has been magnificent in spring and autumn. This year it was very slow to come into leaf and and is looking a bit thin and leggy. Can it be safely pruned? If so when and how much. Or should I think of replacement?
Thanks for any advice.

[Chipchopper]

Look for possible clues for it to be late leafing up this year, has it become over shadowed by other trees, or subjected to unusual weather conditions ?
It should be safe to prune by reducing the crown, but I would wait for a frost free period in the Autumn when the tree is in a more dormant state. If you don't feel confident about pruning it yourself, get a qualified arborist to take a look at it.
If you do decide on a replacement, be sure to remove all of the stump and root of the present tree.

[woofgang]

was it dry with you? acers can be pruned and quite heroically but need aftercare, think of bonsais.....they live much longer than 13 years and are hugely pruned. Properly you’d do it in late autumn after the leaves have gone but again with a bonsai acer you might do it two or three times in a year. If the option is prune or replace then what have you got to lose by pruning?

[emperor]

Thank you both so much for your prompt and constructive replies.
I'll wait for the autumn and give it a go.

[Buenchico]

The RHS website puts it into their 'Pruning Group 1', which means that late winter or early spring should be the best time for pruning:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=549

[Chipchopper]

The sap rises early in maples which can bleed sap and can weaken or allow attack from pathogens, leaving it vulnerable.
I'm sticking to my guns and recommend late Autumn to early winter at the very earliest.

[emperor]

Thank you all again for your thoughts.