Here is a Loropetalum Chinese Plum I picked up from a nursery because of the nice trunk structure. I trimmed it back once, and then again here as shown. I'll now let it grow and fill out a bit more where I would like it to. Thanks for looking.

Here is the second trim and first styling in training pot. Thanks for looking.

You could get rid of whatever is on the surface, it is doing more harm than good. You can't see how dry it is for a start. I would not have cut as much as you have, but it is a bit late now, you need to let it recover for the rest of this year.

Yes now she will sit and grow through spring and summer into winter. Zone 9b here. Thanks

this tree needs lots of back budding to get growth closer to the trunk. i recommend you get proper wire. with the way you wired both your trees you need to monitor it closely and you dont want the guy wire to bit into the branches at the tie down location.