Acer Palmatum help please

[Mrhwbin]

I have this in a pot. I bought it last year and it has sprung into leaf beautifully so appears happy where it is.

However, the main stem is very tall and doesn't have many leaves / leaf buds compared to lower down. Can I prune / pinch out this stem and when would be the best time to do it. Pics attached, hopefully.

I’d leave it. You have little side stems growing from the main stem. The beauty of Acers is the the irregular style of their growth.

Wait until it's dormant. December to Feb.
Then prune in the shape you want it to grow. I'd nip the top shooter off that to make it sprout sideways shoots.

@Beebumble2 @Eyevorbig0ne Thanks both. I will leave well alone for now.