So I bought two of these trees and planted them this spring before bud break. I didn't notice at the time this apparent wound that may not go away. It looks to me like the central leader was pruned to give a fuller appearance in the nursery. The wood then died back down to the 3rd or 4th branch but there are two/three branched trying to wrap around the wound? I know it needs time, but if it does not heal this season would it be appropriate to prune back to the first branch that has "living" bark on the trunk all the way around?

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By jp_42_82 at 2011-06-05

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By jp_42_82 at 2011-06-05

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By jp_42_82 at 2011-06-05

Did I mention the buds in the middle of a couple of branches dried up left a very skanky looking tree?

Oh and that weird mulch ring around the tree was a work in progress at the time and now looks normal :p