Pruning Central Leader

[NY_Terrence]

I have a few trees where the central leader is drifting off center like the one in the picture (if you can make it out in the forest behind it).

On some, I have tied it to a 10' conduit. On others, I have pulled it upright with bamboo string tied to my cage. Instead of these two options, should I be pruning it back to try to a new bid to try to grow a more upright central leader?

Many thanks for help and guidance.

 

[Turkey Creek]

From what I can make out I would just tie off to some conduit. Nothing is ever perfectly straight in the real world.

 

[Maya]

What TC said, also as it gets bigger, many times they will have 3 or more leaders going up from last years leader. If one is leaning towards the desired direction leave that one and prune out the others.

 

[Maya]

A little character never hurts!

 

[NY_Terrence]

Great feedback. Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the permission to add a little character.

 

[Maya]

About the only "character" you need to be careful about is split leader or maybe leaning trees at the base, but most everything can be fixed. Good luck!