BC styling question

[Cajunrider]

Larger BC on a group of three. Tree has 3 shoots at top.
1. Reduce to 1
2. Reduce to 2
3. Keep all three and carve the trunk
Your thoughts?

 

[Kullas]

Keeping all 3 would be a good start to a flat top. I like the 3.

 

[Cajunrider]

Sorry the first picture was put in by error. My fat fingers on the phone can be frustrating.

 

[rockm]

Leaving all three will result in swelling at the top of the trunk. This either requires removing two (which is what I'd do) or carving down between each shoot where they meet the trunk to make look a bit more natural, that would minimize callus swelling and an ugly knob

 

[Cajunrider]

Leaving all three will result in swelling at the top of the trunk. This either requires removing two (which is what I'd do) or carving down between each shoot where they meet the trunk to make look a bit more natural, that would minimize callus swelling and an ugly knob

That was my thought as well. The trunk is too small for a carve down and my past experience points toward reverse taper if I keep them all.

 

[Cajunrider]

I reduced the top to just one. The tree has a side branch 1.5” below so I cut a V to that branch. I will carve that later.