The leader branch is approximate 3 feet tall with no side branches (due, I think, to deer predation). The rest of the tree looks full and in good shape with no missing branches. Should I cut back the leader or not. Right now the tree looks rather goofy. It looks like this: Code: | My husband blames me for not taking care of it properly (shooing deer | away). | \\\\\///// \\\\\/////
I wouldn't. My reason is you will get more leaders. The electricity line peole here pruned the top out of one of my pine trees and I now have several leaders. The info on this exchange might help http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/conif/msg062312504449.html Liz
Agree, never cut the leader. It will have several buds on it which will develop new branches in the spring.
