How do I start developing an apex?

[Rod]

Branches are back budding so I can start reducing them. But how do I start developing an apex from here?

 

[Gustavo Martins]

With conifers you wire those branches down into position to compact the tree. Often, side branches are used to develop the apex.

 

[Shibui]

As well as wiring branches out and down to create your apex you will also need to prune to get more ramification. Both branches and apex are made from many smaller shoots rather than 1 or 2 long ones.

Don't expect this to be quick. Pines, especially single flush species like mugho take many years of concentrated trimming to develop good ramification.