Hi,

Does anyone have experience with creating the best branching on a new leader? I want to leave it feed the trunk but I don't want it to get too long before branching. Wisdom appreciated

I am not really sure what your question is.

If you are concerned that your tree will nog grow side branches if you let the top grow: Trident will pop branches all over once you prune the top out. Do note, you will get branches at the place where leaf are/were attached to the stems, not in between. So the first part of the new leader, the section you will keep, should grow slowly.

My question is should I be cutting back the leader like I would side branches to create branching? Or should I let it go and let the branching develop over time?

wel.. it depends on what you are doing. Are you just growing the top out to get the trunk bigger? If you want to create a bigger trunk, just let it grow.

I am letting it grow at least another two years

Just let it grow. Worry about side-branches in 2-3 years I would say.