wysiwyg said:
Thanks, I'll give it a try. I'm starting to think that I should not have removed the lateral branches that accompanied the vertical growth last year. At least those branches would have taken away some of the energy it instead used to grow so high so fast.
Not to pick a nit, but branches are not parasitic. It does not take away energy, it gives it.
Leaves make food, sugar, starch, photosynthates, energy for the tree, or whatever you want to call it. Removing a leaf, or leaves, or a branch, stunts the tree by removing that energy source.
Lower branches should be left on because they do help develop trunk taper and many other reasons.
You are way ahead to leave lower branches, and just manage them to keep them from interfering with upper branches. Especially with a newer transplant, because it's working hard to replace the lost root system. Some studies put lost roots as high as 90% on a new transplant. To grow new roots, the tree needs the food the leaves makes.
Every single leaf is important.
Once the tree gets established, in a couple years, then you can start trimming it into the unnatural, lollipop shape that is so popular. After all, you don't want to get poked in the eye by a lower branch while you're ramming the trunk with your lawn mower.