Taper

  • To create a tapered trunk over time, you would identify a new apex (a branch of smaller diameter) and repeat.

  • Start lower (closer to the primary branches) so the taper is progressive. Depending on the desired final height of the tree.

  • While a straight trunk may not be desirable except for a formal upright, you can select the new apex that is directionally most upright.

  • You bend a branch to vertical to replace the trunk you chop off.

  • ⁠This might also involve bending the trunk at that point (using wire) to get the branch vertical.

  • ⁠You pick a branch facing the front of the tree so that the scar of the trunk removal is at the back of the tree and hidden by the new leader.

  • ⁠formal uprights DO have taper.

Michael Wei