Frank:

That's exactly what I would do. That tree is pretty spindly for as tall as it is, and you sure don't want it to get any taller at this point. For me the rule with central leaders (as long as you keep them at all) is to remove the strongest and leave the weakest.

Later, when the tree acquires some girth and has developed some scaffold limbs, you can take out the central leader entirely, convert the tree to a vase shape, and have a nice, easy to maintain tree. You can keep it that way by summer pruning.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Is it my goal to keep the central leader from ever becoming too established (cutting back yearly)?

I also wonder if the first branch being 36inches off the ground is too high? Is there a way to induce branching lower?

frank, i would cut central leader at the height of that red car roof. also, please do not try to induce lower branching, actually you should cut 2 lower branches off.
36 inches from the ground is not too high, later on when your tree develops it will look lower than it is.

i did ( i do) to my trees what i told you and i have beautiful trees. all my trees are miniature and easy to take care of because i did cut central leaders, and by that they developed strong trunks.

good luck bro!

Frank:

Your goal is to reduce apical dominance, or upward central growth. Weaker leaders should grow slower.

You can nick above a bud, if you can find one. But for me 36 inches is not too bad for a nice spread of scaffold limbs. You will want the branches to slope upward at an angle of 60 degrees or so. It doesn't have to be precise.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Ok. Thanks for the thoughts. I'll do some cutting tomorrow.

With my rabbit problems, i should probably keep low branches to a minimum.