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

[bamboo]

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.