F. Competing leaders result when suckers or branches near the top of the tree are allowed to grow taller than the uppermost bud of the trunk or central leader. Head these back or an unbalanced, structurally unsound tree will develop. G. Narrow crotches occur when a branch develops more parallel than perpendicular to the trunk or limb from which it originates. As each grows, bark trapped between the two interferes with the growth of a strong joint. H. Whorls occurs when several branches originate at the same point on the trunk or limb.
Joints are weaker there, so select the best-located and remove the others.
I. Heading back or growth diversion cuts are used to limit or redirect the growth of the central leader or branches. Backyard trees are rarely over-pruned, but inexperienced growers often procrastinate on pruning for fear of damaging trees. Ultimately shearing will produce a dense crown that inhibits access for sunlight, sprays, and harvest, and invites weak structure and breakage. As long as pruning cuts are made to remove, head back, or thin as the examples illustrated and discussed, no nightmares are necessary. Don't use hedge shears.