If the top leader of your spruce, fir, or pine breaks off, the tree can lose its natural shape. The leader of a tree guides its upward growth. Without it, side branches compete to become the new top, creating a crooked tree. But young trees can be retrained. Select a side shoot near the top damaged area and gently bend it upright. Then secure a bamboo stake to the trunk’s top and loosely tie the bent shoot to the stake using soft cloth. After a year, the tied-up tree branch will grow vertically like a true leader and the stake can be removed, thus saving the natural form of a favorite evergreen tree.
Growing Home - What to do if the top leader of your tree breaks off
