Chop it low or let it grow?

[drew33998]

Update. I utilized both shoots as Brian reccommended. I had to take the wire off the first branch as it started biting in. I just put more movement in the leader this morning because when I initially did I heard a snap. I stopped there and let it recover for several weeks. It appears the damage has healed or I couldn't find where it snapped. Now I am wondering if I should unwire it because it's just starting to bite at the first wrap.

Brian, what are your thoughts on this and the movement I put in the leader and branch? Should I unwire the leader and rewire it and the first branch?

 

[drew33998]

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Brian, what are your thoughts on this and the movement I put in the leader and branch? Should I unwire the leader and rewire it and the first branch?

You did fine. Let the wire cut in just a little, then unwire it and let it continue growing this year. When you're satisfied with the thickness, cut it back to the first leaves (red), and utilize the resulting buds (yellow arrow) as the next sections.

 

[drew33998]

Upon repotting found that the nebari negates me from tilting the tree. Thinking about a chop or layer.

 

[JudyB]

excellent progress. As you now know, these are fast, and you have to watch them with wiring. They are amazing though the way they heal cracks when you bend too far, they almost always heal very fast and strong. But try to heal a big wound, and fuggedaboudit.