January and February are great times to prune deciduous trees that need a structure rework.  You can branch trees up by removing lower branches so you can eventually walk under the canopy, we recommend only branch up a foot per year and do not branch up more than one third of the height of the tree. Remove co-dominant leaders on shade trees like Maples, Oaks, Ash, Sycamores and Birch, a co-dominant leader is where you have multiple limbs growing upward to serve as the main structure for the tree growth upward. You should remove included branches or tight angled branches that are less than a 45 degree angle, particularly Maples because these branches can rip out with the right wind conditions. As well as the removal of the DDR branches (Diseased, Dead or Rubbing branches). These reworks are most effective when the trees are young so they grow and develop properly.

We invest time to work our trees in pots and in the field to help prevent problems in the future and you can do the same. It's also easier logistically to handle small branches than massive decades old branches that are heavy. 

Here are a few links on tree pruning from the Arbor Day
Annual Tree Pruning
Tips for Good Tree Pruning