Question
I have a crimson maple tree about eight feet tall. It has sprouted three or four extra long branches. Should I prune them down or continue to allow them to grow?

Answer
Let them grow for now. Young trees need to be allowed to grow and set a shape. The top branches will catch up and start height growth. But you will need this foliage to produce food for the roots and allow the tree to grow faster. Next Fall 2012 you maybe able to decide that the lower limbs can be pruned off especially if they are too low. I would wait until then to see how the tree shapes out.