Chopping off a small part, off the top of a small tree will not kill it at all. I did it to my Golden Rain Tree last year. I took off about 3 inches, and immediately branches formed all over the tree. Before I had chopped the top, the tree was a tree "whip", basically a 3 ft stick. Believe me when I say I am the epitome of the helicopter mom when it comes to my trees and shrubs. I wouldn't do anything if I thought it would hurt them. If you want branches, you're going to have to suck it up and chop the top off a little bit. It's standard practice... It's not the same thing as topping a mature tree that you hear about that people do to stop it from growing more. This is entirely different.... This post was edited by ilovemytrees on Thu, Jun 26, 14 at 16:49

A fine gallery of rogues, indeed! Add another greeting from Northern California! Unfortunately, I haven't any pics of me with my plants....I hope this will suffice.... I don't often come around the other side of the camera, either.

They are known as water sprouts; usually with larger than normal leaves and maybe larger thorns; they are often a sign that you are being overly kind with food. As you can see from the photo, the CLM has attacked this branch most because it is the sweetest, tenderest growth. Just prune it back to the level of the general canopy and it will revert to normal growth. BTW, I think this was answered on the CLM thread.

Lucille- yes rose sitter, great idea! I need one right now! I'm visiting my mom for a week and I'm worried sick about my roses! They are left to the care of my husband, and let's just say my confidence is low. Plus, I have a horrible feeling I'm going to miss the spring flush and I want him to take pictures for me. Video would be even better! Daily video updates!! Last summer I hired a "Rose sitter" while we were on vacation but she was just a high school student and didn't really know what do except the instructions I gave her. If there was someone available with experience with roses that would have been awesome!