Jay

Stephen,
Depends....

If the trunk at the chop point is thin then the new leader will approach it in size and the taper will come into question. A tree chopped at 1 inch or so will not show good taper down the road. Especially if you allow the new leader to grow forever so to speak.

But if you follow Bwaynef's advise and do numerous chops you will promote taper as you thicken the trunk. Now this said you do need to start with a reasonable size tree at the time of the original chop. As the tree grows it will slowly bring the chops and new leaders into lovely taper. You will need to allow the tree to grow freely in the ground or a large grow box to speed up this process. Speed being relative. Each chop and new leader will take a few years before you do the next chop. In other words bring out your big tool...patience, for this one.

my 2 cents
Jay

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing