bwaynef

To me, mid-size is more than 12" and less than 24". Thats a pretty broad range, but I don't know if we're even on the same page. A good idea with crabapple is to have a fairly sizable tree since they're usually a little reticent to ramify.

Also, crabapples grow barrel-like trunks, so you'll have to chop them a few times if you want some taper. But wait 'til you're 2/3s of the way to the trunk size you want before you chop. Chopping slows down growth pretty quickly.

Now, following the 1:6 guideline (a better word than rule, less abrasive too), a 12" tall tree would need a 2" trunk to support it. Your tree looks like it has about 3/4" caliper right now. That'd be about a 4.5" tall tree.

The 1:6 ratio is not exactly arbitrary, but it is artistically (forgive me) sound. You can divert from that as much as you'd like. Its wise to consider why you are though.

A 1:<6 ratio makes for a really fat looking, near-view of a tree. These are often-times quite impressive, and most of the time very masculine looking. The extremes are sumo trees.

A 1:>6 presents a tall image. It can look like you've got a distant view of a tree on a hill. These appear feminine. 1:10 is approaching an extreme where the trunk doesn't look like it supports the foliage.

All that: I'd grow your tree out for a trunk. You'll have plenty of options to style the tree once the caliper is approaching 1.5 - 2 inches. Do everything you can to preserve those low branches right now, even if you don't think you'll use them in the final design. They'll really make that section swell. I'd suggest not even trimming them. In the meantime you'll probably be gifted with flowers to make it all worth it.

WF

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