We have a fairly new tree (around 4 years old) in the front yard. It grew pretty fast and was approaching the 20-ft level. A few nights ago, a gust of wind snapped off the top six feet of the tree. The rest of the tree looks fine, but still needs pruning of the lower branches. A nursery told me to point a branch near the break to vertical so it would become the central leader after applying a thin coating of prune sealer to the break. I have a bungee cord holding the new leader in place pointing straight up and have applied the sealer.
- How long do I need to keep this branch tied up?
- Can / Should I still prune the lower branches this winter? They are really obnoxious and would they hinder the healing up top?
Thanks m