You have it planted too close to the house. I would relocate it when it is next dormant, as waiting longer will only make it more difficult and then later, impossible. If you want suggestions for locating, show the same view with the camera viewpoint about 12' farther back.

It is often the case that a young woody plant forms a loose skeletal structure in its early life and then fills in as it becomes well rooted. I wouldn't try to get it to thicken up by pruning, but just wait, and it will do it on its own. Make sure that it doesn't go through any extended dry spells. Give it some fertilizer at the beginning and middle of the season, but not later. (If you're feeding the grass, it's getting fertilizer then.)

Hello Bee. I planted Lavender Twist mid-summer of 2016, as a scrawny little thing much like yours. (Bargain find in mid summer and I figured what did I have to lose?) I have not pruned at all, except to cut back some branches that were trailing along the ground for a few feet. I don’t fertilize, and haven’t watered it since last year. I am no expert but I think you should leave it be for a while. Let it settle in and see what it wants to do before getting out the loppers. Note that the canopy of mine is still 8’ from the house but I will be in trouble eventually.

i agree on moving it ....

in my world ... every leaf is a food making machine.. and for the first 3 years.. i try not to cut any of them off.. to grow a large root system.. so the tree can follow the root growth ... ergo.. no pruning for 3 years ... unless broken or damaged ...

you need to think in tree time.. which is counted in decades ... and allow the tree to get where its going.. before you think about changing its mind ...

i am amazed.. that indiana claims that is 2 years growth from what your looks like.. but she ought to know ... id buy 12 years... if she meant 2006

if they grew that fast.. they would be giving them away at nurseries... lol ...

ken

The thing has been an absolute weed for me, Ken. Morning shade and hot afternoon sun (western exposure.). It evidently likes where it is. Now, Purple fountain beech bought at the same time is hardly moved to add so much as a twig, sigh.

thanks indianagardengirl and ken! your lavender twist is inspiring and the "leaves are food factories" is great education for me.

Yardvaark, i am working on getting you that picture from 12' further back so you can tell me where to relocate to!