Where to prune back?

[socobonsai]

New to Bonsai and wanting to make a good decision with a new tree I recently transplanted from ground to training pot.
I realize in current form it’s still too large. I made one cut of the lower limb on the lower right as it was too long. I know I need to make a pretty decent chop on what I would call the leader. My questions are:
Where and is now the right time to make that larger chop? I don’t want to delay the chop knowing that eventually it has to be made. I assume now is the time to make that chop so as to not delay the inevitable?
The tree was very healthy in ground. I know it’s in good shape and have every reason to believe it will bound back in the spring. Just thing to learn how to best make these big cut decisions in order to help the treee the most.
My current thought on where to chop is the red line.
Recommendations to go higher or lower?
Assuming the tree is healthy, it’s properly watered and fertilized in late spring/early summer, it’s safe to assume that it should push new shoots around the chop positions, correct?
Thank you!

 

[Hack Yeah!]

It'll only push from nodes, not necessarily the chop. It looks pretty old, you may consider letting it grow this year and grafting a new leader exactly where you want to build your tree instead of relying on back budding, just one option

 

[Shibui]

What species is it? There may be slightly different considerations from one species to the next.
In general, assuming everything is OK most deciduous will bud from old nodes just below any chops we make. Elms will also produce new buds from cambium layer around cuts but this one doesn't look like elm to me.

I agree that the top part is way too tall, too thick and no taper so will almost certainly need to go at some stage.
My experience is also that early chops are much better than waiting.

I'd agree with the marked location as probable spot to chop but my question is then what? You then have 2 equally thick leaders - 1 up and 1 sideways. Any thoughts on possible shape and/or style for the tree in the future?

 

[socobonsai]

What species is it? There may be slightly different considerations from one species to the next.
In general, assuming everything is OK most deciduous will bud from old nodes just below any chops we make. Elms will also produce new buds from cambium layer around cuts but this one doesn't look like elm to me.

I agree that the top part is way too tall, too thick and no taper so will almost certainly need to go at some stage.
My experience is also that early chops are much better than waiting.

I'd agree with the marked location as probable spot to chop but my question is then what? You then have 2 equally thick leaders - 1 up and 1 sideways. Any thoughts on possible shape and/or style for the tree in the future?

My apologies on not being clear on species. Japanese Maple.
As far as the direction/shape of the tree, I’m still contemplating that but at the moment I actually see the future shaping coming from the larger leader on the left. Not sure if/how I’ll eventually incorporate the leader off to the right. My hope is that with patient study and advice from this group a formation will begin to emerge.
I’m a little hesitant to chop the leader to the left at the moment even though it’s way too tall because that’s were there is obvious growth. Thinking that if i leave that for a year or two and allow the tree to settle in and hopefully begin to back bud i’ll have a little more confidence or piece of mind to later chop it back once additional growth begins.
Thoughts?

 

[socobonsai]

It'll only push from nodes, not necessarily the chop. It looks pretty old, you may consider letting it grow this year and grafting a new leader exactly where you want to build your tree instead of relying on back budding, just one option

I’m definitely prone to take my time, be patient, and let the tree settle in for a year or two. I like the idea of grafting a new leader in a year or two. Thanks for that idea. I’m hoping I’ll have some fortuitous back bud positions form in the next year or two. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Shibui]

I’m a little hesitant to chop the leader to the left at the moment even though it’s way too tall because that’s were there is obvious growth. Thinking that if i leave that for a year or two and allow the tree to settle in and hopefully begin to back bud i’ll have a little more confidence or piece of mind to later chop it back once additional growth begins.
Thoughts?

In my experience, 90% of new shoots after chopping will emerge close to the chops. Occasionally we get a few shoots further back along the trunk but not often enough to work with so i generally recommend chopping just above where you want the new growth.

On the other hand this being JM which can be temperamental after chops and/or transplant. Sometimes we get die back particularly after large trunk chops and severe root pruning so it may be safer to leave the top longer while it gets the roots going again then chop to final size when it's strong again.