White pine leader - Ask Extension
Hi,
Last year I noticed that one of the radial branches has curved up and looks like it wants to take over as the lead.
Should I prune off the side...
Knowledgebase
White pine leader #925141
Asked February 27, 2026, 11:30 AM EST
Hi,
Last year I noticed that one of the radial branches has curved up and looks like it wants to take over as the lead.
Should I prune off the side branch and hope that the original lead will take over; prune off the central lead so it won't compete with the side branch trying to take over; or just leave everything and let the tree figure it out?
Thanks!
Joe
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
It's difficult to determine what's best by viewing the photos. However, based upon what we can see, it looks like the original leader might have lost its dominance because it was broken or damaged.
Two shoots appear to have emerged at the point of injury. It might be possible restore the original leader by removing the shortest of the two shoots as well as the curved side branch that now dominates. Shorten the surrounding robust side branches as well.
Otherwise remove the original leader and let the now dominant curved branch replace it.
The curve might diminish or in any case be of no significance. To reduce or eliminate that imperfection, tie the new leader to a rigid support such as a bamboo stake tied to the main trunk. Remove the support after one growing season and be sure the ties don't girdle or restrict the trunk and leader as they grow.
Two shoots appear to have emerged at the point of injury. It might be possible restore the original leader by removing the shortest of the two shoots as well as the curved side branch that now dominates. Shorten the surrounding robust side branches as well.
Otherwise remove the original leader and let the now dominant curved branch replace it.
The curve might diminish or in any case be of no significance. To reduce or eliminate that imperfection, tie the new leader to a rigid support such as a bamboo stake tied to the main trunk. Remove the support after one growing season and be sure the ties don't girdle or restrict the trunk and leader as they grow.
