It sounds like you “tipped” your Maple by removing the main shoot on each stem between the new leaves. This may actually cause more branching. The tip bud on a branch controls the growth going down the stem. If you remove that bud, you can end up creating more uncontrolled growth. But, I’m not sure that’s what happened by your description, so that’s just a best guess.

Too, I don’t know what you mean by maintaining “pads”.

Ideally, take a pruning class from a certified arborist or horticulturist to learn more about plant growth in order to prune correctly — before you experiment and potentially damage your trees.

Good luck!