branch die back

I recently bought my first Japanese maple. I want to start with some small branch pruning before the fall season starts. I do not know much about them. I was wondering if I need to worry about branch die back and how much maintenance I can due before the growing season ends? Texas Zone 8. What are the best books on this species?

Peter Adams "Bonsai with Japanese Maples." Maples are workable most all the year in zone 8.

Hey Ron....

Make sure to give it a little shade when the sun is at it's hottest and a little wind protection wouldn't hurt!!
Watch your watering, not too dry but don't overwater. The leaves can dessicate quickly.
It might be the sweet spot down there for a light to medium pruning as maples will heal a little quicker during an active growing period as the cut edges will begin to callous over. Make clean wounds. ( I use cutpaste afterwards).

Good Luck!!!

Do I need to be concerned about branch die back?

If your concerned, stick to the smaller stuff. Allow some space for die back above a latent bud.