Twin leaders is not the way to go. Too bad they were left when planted. You should post a picture for the best advice. Many times the stronger growing leader is the one removed, but I would not suggest anything without a picture. Al

Consider the eventual size of the tree when determining if present branches are too high. You would probably be better just cutting it back to the point where you want first scaffolds if the ones existing are really too high when you visualize a full sized tree.

It doesn't really matter that you left it as it was- you got more growth last year probably as a result and root growth mirrors top growth and the roots are still there so the tree should grow much more this year. There are different opinions about this but I often wait till second year to begin worrying about a trees shape.

Might be easier just to get a well branched tree and start over again, rather than try to do a face lift on a poorly shaped tree. If you cut back severely to restore shape, you have lost another year's growth anyhow. Is the tree worth that much to you?

I agree with Harvestman. You've got a one year's start on a strong root system now. Why waste it?

I'd also not buy from that nursery again, that would send out a tree like that.

Calistoga, why would you remove the stronger leader? Makes no sense to me.

Curious, what is the caliper of the two leaders? An second is it a dwarfed tree?
I hate to throw a shadow on your nursery but I think I would find me another place to buy trees.

I do have a several year old Golden Dorsett that ended up growing almost that way because they were my first trees and I did not know any better. The biggest problem was the growth growing to the center of the tree would get very dense in no time.

I did end up cutting out the center so I could get it to dry quicker and make it easier to spray.

Here is a link that might be useful: Georgia Home Orchard

Thanks for all the advice on this and sorry for the delay on my part. I did end up taking off the weaker leader, which happened to also be the one that was less upright.

It's a semi-dwarf, by the way.

Harvestman, I did consider the upper branches and thought about keeping them for photosynthesis, but they really were only on the top 10 inches or so. I headed back the remaining leader to hopefully spur some growth lower down, which took off those little branches.

I ended up with not much remaining. I wasn't eager to lose a year above ground, but I'm assuming the roots did okay last year and the growth will be better this time around. I can't really rationalize pulling it out at this point and getting a new tree.

Anyway, it'll be instructive to see what growth these cuts produce.

I used a different nursery this year based on the stellar reputation of the new one. I won't be recommending the original one anytime soon.

Thanks again for all the thoughts and advice. If I can arrange for it, I'll post before/after pictures down the line.

Sam

I have thought a Liberty. Let us know how the apples taste.