Pick a leader (any leader?)

[ConorDash]

I used sealant, as pictures show.

I, too, was worried about whether this would impair or impinge on new buds, but these elms cannot be stopped, apparently.

As depicted in the second picture (from the top), buds pushed everywhere, regardless of sealant (which in the end just sort of fell away as new growth pushed and pushed).

Oh right.. I've used sealant completely over the wound, not just around the edges. From your pics it looked like really minimal sealant. Maybe I've put too much on mine.

 

[butlern]

I didn't cover the heartwood, just the edges. And I started with a fair amount, but it dropped away as this little elm grew (and apparently grew angry)

 

[ConorDash]

I didn't cover the heartwood, just the edges. And I started with a fair amount, but it dropped away as this little elm grew (and apparently grew angry)

Cool I covered it all. Maybe I shouldnt but I'm sure I did see it being done that way elsewhere.
Oh well, it is what it is. Hope this goes well for you.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I'd put some movement into the leader. It's straight as an arrow right now. Just add some subtle movement into the leader.