Montezuma Cypress Leader 2 Development

[AaronThomas]

Wondering if the location of a leader can impact the development of a trees final appearance. Confused.. yep!
Okay.. so if I have chopped a tree, in this case a MC, and the the chop runs off to the right... does it matter the location of the next leader and the direction of the next chop?
If one goes right should the other go left?
Is it more esthetically pleasing to hide a chop if possible... meaning should the chop face the back of the tree?n (None of my do)
Kinda illustrated below.

 

[KiwiPlantGuy]

Hi,
I would be more tempted to let this grow, like lots as you can choose a leader next year, and you have all of this year to let it grow lots of leaves.
I would be interested in what others have to say, as my BC’s are a lot like yours.
Charles

 

[AaronThomas]

tempted to let this grow

If I can get some growth on these leaders in the next few months I may go ahead and chop this season... time will tell.

 

[AaronThomas]

Top

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

If you are doing a "Formal Upright" or if you are wanting a clean line to the trunk, I would always put the diagonal chops on the back side of the tree. Always. But that is my taste - it is not a rule.

If you want a clean line, definitely put it to the back.

 

[AaronThomas]

Perfect timing @Leo in N E Illinois was planing on plucking a couple of the weaker leaders this weekend!
makes perfect sense. Lucky enough to have a choice with this years growth.