Knowledgebase

New leader on a spruce? #867558

Asked May 08, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT

Hello, The leader on my spruce broke off when I removed the holiday lights. I'd like to train a new one. My question is: if I cut the top off right below the top whorl (which is the top of the tree now), will a new leader grow from there? Or is it best to see what grows out of the top that broke off and train one of those? I know I could train one of the current whorls, but they are all very symmetrical (see photo), and so I'm not sure which one would be best. Thank you! ~Miriam

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

The picture is too far away to say for sure.  In general the branch that is most closely aligned with the trunk/least angle from the trunk is a good candidate. In the picture one seems to be point upward more than the other.
MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 09, 2024, 8:47 AM EDT

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