GaryS

I agree about the lower branches. I also think that the whole tree isn't really ready for ramification yet.

I'd let those bottom branches grow for at least a couple of years and thicken them up a lot. I'd also let the other branches grow also and thicken them up too, not as much as the bottom branches .....you know.

I'd say the tree would be ready for ramification by leaf pruning in 3 or 4 years and it should turn out really nice.

Nice tree Candy.

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GaryS