I've got a dwarf apple tree that has one scaffold branch that is about 1/2 the diameter of the trunk at point of attachment. It is the lowest scaffold branch and the tree would look very out of balance if it were removed. I've read here repeatedly that all branches thicker than 1/3 of the trunk diameter should be removed. I would prefer to leave the branch intact but slow down the growth and let the trunk "catch up". Has anyone ever experimented with scoring a branch at a shallow depth to slow down the vigor of the particular branch? I would likely do this when spring growth begins around April.