I have a fairly young (12-15ft) Red Maple that has Codominant Leaders. I have read about potential issues down the road with splitting if these are left. The tree was limbed up earlier this year, removing branch 3 which is marked in red. Winter and current pictures of the tree are attached.
Are these Codominant Leaders growing at an angle that would eventually cause splitting/breaking? Which leader should be subordinated and eventually removed if this is the case? Removing 2 was what I am leaning toward if this is necessary. I also am wondering if the remaining leader will be able to be straightened at all.