What is the Tree Leader?

The tree leader is the dominant vertical stem which is usually at the top of the main trunk of the tree. 

Follow the main trunk of the tree all the way up to the top. It will narrow into a single stem that is in a vertical position.

There should only be one stem in the vertical position and this stem is the main leader. If you find two stems that appear to be the leader, well, keep on reading.

Two or More Stems In The Leader Position

Sometimes you'll have a tree that has two or three stems fighting for the leader position. These are likely to develop into competing leaders that can jeopardize the structural integrity of the tree.

Trees with multiple leaders are considered weaker than trees that only have one leader. Large maturing trees will grow healthier and last longer than trees with multiple leaders.

With two stems, one stem will be more vigorous and the other stem will be more vertical. If the vigorous stem looks like it can grow upright once the other stem is removed, then choose the more vigorous stem.

If the tree has three stems vying for leadership, the technique would be to prune the two stems that aren't the most vertical of the tree. Using a reduction cut, you would cut back these two stems so that the main stem can become the dominant trunk.

Cutting them back will allow more nutrients and sunlight to the main leader encouraging it to grow stronger than the others. If you want your tree to grow and mature properly, you need to make sure you establish a single leader.

If you aren't confident in choosing a tree leader, then be sure to contact a professional arborist.

The Tree Leader is Broken or Cut

If you purchase a tree from a nursery, sometimes you'll get trees where the leaders are already cut or broken. Be sure to properly inspect the tree or ask for pictures if you are purchasing online. Reputable nurseries shouldn't sell you damaged trees.

Avoid nursery trees with cut or broken leaders.

If the tree has been planted, you will need to train another stem to become the leader. When choosing a new leader, you want to select the stem that is the most vertical and is large enough to develop as a leader.

Read above if the young tree has two stems and read below if one of the leaders is bent. 

Staking Your Tree's Leader Stem

If the tree leader of the young tree cannot stand up on its own after its transplanted, then it will need staking. The tree needs to keep its trunk vertical so the roots can properly develop.

Ideally, you wouldn't need to stake the tree too much. The tree's natural response to its environment is the best for the tree's development.



Staking is most useful when a large transplanted tree doesn't have enough of a root system to support its crown, and when you are attempting to transplant a young tree to a windy area. 

Bent Leader

If the tree leader is bent and the bend is not severe, leave the stem alone as it will probably straighten itself out. If the bend is severe then cut the leader back so it will bud in the upright position.



The other option is to upright the leader with staking. If you cannot fix the main leader with staking, then you will have to look into cutting. 

FAQs

Thank you for stopping. This is the first installment of our tree pruning series. We plan to cover everything you need to know when it comes to how to cut tree branches off of trees.