I bought this small Japanese maple today that's growing out to one side. Will this straighten on its own or should I stake it?

Japanese Maples have a different growth habit than most trees. What you are seeing is the beginning of your tree's uniqueness. Don't stake and only prune out problem branches or you will lose the shape forever. I think of JMs as works of art and wish I had some photos of mine before they leafed out so you could see the structure.

https://www.pacifichorticultur...

DaisyI said:

Japanese Maples have a different growth habit than most trees. What you are seeing is the beginning of your tree's uniqueness. Don't stake and only prune out problem branches or you will lose the shape forever. I think of JMs as works of art and wish I had some photos of mine before they leafed out so you could see the structure.

Thank you so much for the reply and the link, I'll have to give it a read.

I do like the shape and think it's interesting, I was just worried that it might be problematic if it keeps growing in a single direction. I'm completely new to this so I wasn't sure if it was something that would be better to straighten out or let it be.

They do grow in a single direction but because its a Japanese Maple, the leader grows off to the side instead of straight up. Symmetry is not part of JM vocabulary. But you can take advantage of that or gently prune to balance it a little. But before you do anything, read. Start with the link I posted but there are lots more, and look at photos. If you know what cultivator you have, look at photos of adult versions of your tree.