Thanks for the sound advice. I’ve stared at the tree a lot. I don’t like anything above the first crotch. If I keep anything I will train the lowest small branch to drop this year. Next year I will chop one inch above the crotch on the main trunk and leave just 3 inches on the big branch. Then I will select the best bud on the big branch to be the new apex and go from there. One example the new apex is established, I will shorten the dropped branch. Either that or chop low and restart.@Cajunrider
I agree with your plan, repot, arranging the root this year. After allowing a full growing season to recover, then do your chop late May or so next year. If you chop the same year you work the roots, the response is likely to be weak. By waiting until next year, you should get a more satisfactory vigorous response.
I don't like to try to design trees from photos over the internet. I'm not that good, and think most who claim to be "that good" are kidding themselves. Tree design should be done live in person.
That said, my initial impression might be to try and use as much possible of the existing tree. I would only "chop" if you absolutely had your goal set on a stylized broom.
Since you will be allowing the tree to grow this summer, you can contemplate ways to use most of the tree as it currently exists. If next year you still feel the best course is to "chop" then chop lower rather than higher. But I would look for possible designs over the next 12 months that don't require going back to "ground zero".
I stared at the tree for months and couldn't see a way to use the upper part so I chopped it. Had it been a more valuable species, I probably would have deliberated much more. No other option but growing now.Yikes. Seems like more of the tree could have been used somehow; really nice base and bark. A severe chop like this may warrant planting it in the ground for a couple years to help heal the chop and build the next trunk section. This tree needs more growing and less chopping.
Underneath the main leader above are two downward pointing shoots. I am thinking about rubbing out one of the two to prevent future reverse taper. Your thought?No bud below the chop but the existing buds are growing well.
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The base of the shoot seems to be hardening but it is still early. Right now it is just growing fast. I am not planning to do anything but letting it grow until I see some lignification.Has it put on any wood? Has the chop started to callus?