That is what I would do. That way you can see the lower culms. It will not hurt the grove what-so-ever, unless it is very short. The taller it is, the less chance of any ill effects.

Good luck

Kt

the leaves and branches will bud on nodes where the sun hits.

In the middle of the grove where there is only shade, or in woods, the branches start only high up.

no harm in pruning the lower branches.

Thanks - I'll try and trim it up. I'd like to be able to see the culms below. I saw a photo of some that grew naturally like that and it looked good

I remove the branches my B. tuldoides up to about 7 ft to keep them out of my face, and to get a more airy, open look.