Liquidambar styraciflua central leader
 

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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by removing the well known companies

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.