Hey everyone,
The land where my house is was cleared out of a wooded area about 15 years ago.
I have several maple trees in my yard that are very tall (avg. of probably 60') with only a plume of branches at the very top.
I would like to top these trees, reducing to maybe 1/2 of their original height.
Can you tell me the best way to do this to get branches to re-grow at/near the top of the new height?
What's the best time of year to do it?
Does it matter what height I cut off at?
I heard that after cutting to desired height, use a hatchet or pickaxe and hit into the trunk, which will create the location for the new branches. Is this correct? How many and how far from the top should I do this?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Brian