Upright bald cypress leader selection

[Barbells and bonsai]

Looking for advice on carving for an upright style bald cypress/leader branch selection.

It seems all other potential leaders are removed besides the main but I’d like to make sure before doing so.

I’ve also heard the leader should be roughly 1/3 the diameter of the trunk and straight. My largest leader is that size but a smaller one next to it has better shape. I’d like opinions on which you’d choose.

Thank you

 

[Wulfskaar]

I think the position might be more important, as the apex will probably grow quickly into size.

Beautiful cat, btw!

 

[Cmd5235]

I agree with @Wulfskaar , they grow so fast that it’s the position that matters. Either one of the two that I see would work, so it’s whichever is in the best position. I like the front on the picture with the cat, I would just be tempted to remove that rather thick looking branch to the right if that’s the case to keep the branch proportions in check and regrow it from a new bud.

 

[Barbells and bonsai]

I think the position might be more important, as the apex will probably grow quickly into size.

Beautiful cat, btw!

This makes sense, thank you.

Should I chop the other leader branches? It seems this is what the majority of upright BC have had done

 

[Barbells and bonsai]

I agree with @Wulfskaar , they grow so fast that it’s the position that matters. Either one of the two that I see would work, so it’s whichever is in the best position. I like the front on the picture with the cat, I would just be tempted to remove that rather thick looking branch to the right if that’s the case to keep the branch proportions in check and regrow it from a new bud.

I’ll make a decision between the two tonight!
If you’re talking about the branch I have an arrow towards, agreed. I’m going to take that off as it’s way too large to be up that high.
Thank you

 

[Wulfskaar]

This makes sense, thank you.

Should I chop the other leader branches? It seems this is what the majority of upright BC have had done

I'm learning as well and have only had my BC for a year and a half.

On mine, since I am not looking for massive growth of the trunk, I will soon be pruning off all branches except those I want to keep. That way, they get stronger and thicker. I think you want the growth going into the keepers and not so much into branches you won't keep. Plus, you'll have to prune those off eventually anyways, and the bigger they are, the bigger the scar will be.

 

[Barbells and bonsai]

I agree with @Wulfskaar , they grow so fast that it’s the position that matters. Either one of the two that I see would work, so it’s whichever is in the best position. I like the front on the picture with the cat, I would just be tempted to remove that rather thick looking branch to the right if that’s the case to keep the branch proportions in check and regrow it from a new bud.

What do you think about making it a Jin? I have new pliers on the way and the night off

 

[nuttiest]

I have new pliers on the way

Ah, I was wondering. A place to use the pliers. Do the jin you want first, then have a chainsaw handy if it doesn't work... that whole top of thicker branches needs to come off someday, the lower branches you have are nice. I would force this year's energy into those by cutting all top growth back to short nubs for now.

 

[Barbells and bonsai]

Update

 

[Cajunrider]

Update

Looking good.

 

[Barbells and bonsai]

Big changes, happy with the turnout.

Has since recovered and is budding out. Will post another update in a few weeks