Liquidambar styraciflua central leader

[Emery Davis]

Hi,

Wonder what the consensus is on this.

We have a lovely young Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver King',
a little over 6 ft and putting on enthusiastic growth, already very
showy.

Unfortunately the central leader was frost damaged and didn't
sprout. There are now two good, competing leader candidates
from 1 and 2 buds down.

Should I wait until the wood ripens a bit before cutting out the
weaker one, or prune it now? My books are a little unclear here.

That's in Europe zone 8 (US 7). Thanks in advance.

-E

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Emery Davis
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[bamboo@localnet.com]

My method is to pinch back the weaker one and let the stronger one
overtake it and then remove it when conditions don't foster disease.
(between the frosts)
This allows for a smaller wound as well.