Example 3

Before pruning

Growth needs to be "pushed" into the top of the tree. This can be accomplished by removing the largest one or two low branches (those in the bottom 5 feet of the tree) and shortening the other low branches. Aggressive stems on the lower 5 feet that were growing up into the canopy were shortened to a position about 5 feet from the ground.

After pruning

The tree has a decent central dominant leader. The lowest branch that will be on the tree when the tree is sold is positioned on the right side 5 feet from the ground. It is a bit long and should probably be shortened. Although this tree has a dominant leader the form on the tree is less than desirable for many buyers. This will take at least a couple more years to fill in a look a bit better.