A multiple leader situation is definitely undesirable as is narrow crotch angles. Can you post pictures so we can tell more about what you're working with?

I'll post some photos as soon as the brains in the family (my wife) learns how to do it.

Hi Zach3-
You'll need to upload the photos to some other service, and then link to the picture in your post. Good luck. -Glenn

Look up "modified central leader pruning" I think that is what you have in mind for your apple. It is a common technique with larger apple trees. Al

I just posted a photo in the Trees Forum's "Gallery" section, listed "Zach's lanky Granny Smith to prune or not." [Couldn't find instructions to post photo in this section. Sorry.]

This is a funny looking tree.....
I would be worried about the two leaders going up, cut one out because the crotch worries me, better
do it now then be sorry later. But...if just planted, let it grow for a couple of month for better root establishment.
Konrad

Konrad,
It looks funny to me, too. I bought it ($129) from Fast Growing Trees Nursery (www.Fast-Growing-Trees.com) based in Charlotte. They told me their 2-yr-old trees came already pruned. But all the crotches are too narrow. If I lopped off one of the two main forks, I'd be cutting off half the tree. Furthermore, the remaining two crotches above would still be too narrow. Should I take it back to the grower and exchange it?

Are you kidding? Did you really pay $129 for that tree? If so, WHY??? Is it too late to ask for your money back?

If you're stuck with the tree, I think one of the leaders must go, but the situation should have been taken care of long ago. If you do have to keep the tree and decide to remove one of the leaders, cut just outside the branch bark ridge and branch collar (if you find that one exists in this situation). It's hard to tell whether your tree will have a branch collar with the picture you posted. Many times a branch collar won't exist with a split leader like the one on your tree. The tree should still eventually cover over the wound, but it may take longer. I would remove the leader (the one that you decide to remove) in late winter or very early spring which is the ideal time for the tree to quickly cover over pruning wounds. Personally, I'd remove it near the end of this winter weather it was planted this year or before.

>>I bought it ($129) from Fast Growing Trees Nursery (www.Fast-Growing-Trees.com)I sell trees too, I would be ashamed of selling something like this, second, I don't think I have one growing
like this in my nursery with many hundred of trees.
Not sure how you got sucked into getting something like this?
If you're stuck with , [most likely]..well, you can get it grow, perhaps a year or two set back.

The two crotches above ..?
Well, let it grow about 2 month, then prune off one branch [of 3]..the remaining two tie down to about 45 degree.

Konrad

Fortunately, Fast Growing Trees Nursery graciously allowed me to trade in for a better tree. It has three properly spaced tiers of scaffolds, no problem crotches and a central leader. Happy Day!!