Central Leader
Training to a central leader produces a tree that has a pyramid shape.
central leader (1) A trunk or stem extending up through the axis of a tree or shrub and clearly emerging at the top. (2) A system of pruning that uses the central leader as a basic component.
cell wall The outer covering of a plant cell.
The central leader system consists of a central trunk around which scaffolds (primarily side branches) of the desired number and spacing can be arranged with wide-angle crotches.
Related Searches central leader formality shrub stake plants upper branches
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Choose a specimen with a straight central leader (it's fine to start with a young plant; transplant it into incrementally larger pots as it grows).
Then cut off all other side branches and vertical stems that compete with the central leader. Cut back the central leader, too, making sure it's still the highest part of the tree.
This fothergilla has produced a strong central leader, a main trunk that makes this shrub look a bit out of balance. Now you could leave it alone and hope that the lateral branches will fill out a bit, but this may not happen.
Some grow with a definite central leader and are gracious enough to shed their lower branches themselves. While they are still small and spindly, those branches seem little loss. The scars close over.
On 2- to 3-year-old trees, remove all branches within 30 to 36 inches of the ground and large branches that grow parallel with the main trunk (central leader) at the top of the tree.
Depending on the cultivar and its stage of development at the time infection occurs, a single blossom or shoot infection can result in the death of an entire limb, and where the central leader or trunk of the tree is invaded, ...
When shopping, look for a well-grown tree with good branching structure, a strong central leader, and healthy, vigorous growth. Tip a container-grown tree out of its pot and check for live roots that don't circle excessively.
When you shop for your new tree, select one that is structurally sound with a strong central leader and no broken branches. "A tree is a long-term investment," Bill says. "Pick carefully, and you'll be rewarded for many years.'
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Fruit trees can be trained to many forms. The most common are the open vase shape and central leader. This tutorial demonstrates how to train a young tree to an open vase shape, a form particularly suited to peaches, plums and apricots.
But the trees now need attention. When pruning apples look for a central leader, and prune to make sure there are no competing branches.
As many upright trunks and branches can originate without training and lead to a weakened tree, prune and train to develop a central leader and well-spaced branches. Once the tree begins to grow little maintenance should be required.
Prune young specimen trees before they leaf out. Remove damaged and crossing branches or limbs which may be obstructing pedestrians and structures. Pruning encourages a strong central leader branch and an attractively shaped tree.
Four to seven strong, well placed branches, or leaders, form a framework which will hold future growth. Smaller bushes and shrubs should be pruned to a central leader.
And don't wait to remove growth that is dangerous or poses a liability, such as a large limb that threatens to fall on your neighbor's new Jaguar XK8 convertible. Don't delay pruning new shrubs to eliminate crossing branches, multiple central leaders, ...
 See also: Plant, Branch, Prune, Pruning, Water
  
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