Sounds like odd Christmas Tree Farm practices. Most folks panic if their leader is broken.

Do you want a taller tree or to try to maintain it as a bush?

He wasn't suggesting to cut the whole thing off. Just take it down a bit. From 18 inches to 10 or 12. Is it good if the leader is very long off the top like 2 feet on a 7 ft tree.

there is very specific timing involved in WHEN you do the cutting.. if you cut all the buds off ... at this time of year .... then that leader will die ... another will become dominant ... in a few years ....

most often ... branch/leader pruning is is done in late spring.. while the new growth is soft ...

i am glad you found us.. there is a big difference between how a conifer should grow.. and what a xmas tree guy does to achieve a preconceived notion ...

fat albert???? why dont you google the whole Latin name.. flip to the images side.. and then explain to us.. why the natural shape is a problem FOR YOU ... rather than the seller ...that would be the first step in decided IF you should start cutting on your babe ... he has different goals than most of us...

ken

All things aside, a short leader or long leader the tree will instinctively balance itself out if left to free range. If you disturb the leader every year you interfere with its natural growing habit and over the years be left with a odd ball looking plant.

The Christmas tree man is going for the now look, a perfectly balanced tree ready to sell for Christmas once a year. This is accomplished by shearing and cutting main leader if need be. This method does not apply to you as you are in it for the long haul.

Leave them alone and you won't be disappointed.

Dave