Newly acquired trident maple

[Gaitano]

Prepping for spring plans on this trident I just got. The current leader juts out a bit and then heads vertical. Will this flow more as it grows? Or should I chop it off come spring, lower the top chop, and use a lower branch as the new leader. Or wait to see if something sprouts closer to the top chop and use that?

 

[Dirty Nails]

I think you have too much going on around the top. and the beginnings of reverse taper. If it were mine I would chop it below the black wire on the trunk and start over building taper.

 

[Poink88]

I think you have too much going on around the top. and the beginnings of reverse taper. If it were mine I would chop it below the black wire on the trunk and start over building taper.

I'll 2nd that but will do it come spring and save the top as a cutting.

 

[Gaitano]

cutting

Would the top cutting root rather easily? I've never tried rooting tridents.

 

[nathanbs]

Would the top cutting root rather easily? I've never tried rooting tridents.

No not in my experience

 

[Poink88]

Would the top cutting root rather easily? I've never tried rooting tridents.

Easily is relative but I will always try if possible...at least there is a chance rather than none. If you will chop anyway, you lose nothing by trying.

 

[Gaitano]

leaf free view

Here are a few more pictures without the leaves to cloud the view. I think there are a few options, including a chop below the existing branches, as was mentioned before. I wanted to see if there are any more opinions now that the view of the trunk is a little more clear. The top is pretty ugly.

Thanks in advance.