Pruning 'Chocolate Summer' silk trees

Jamestown, CA

I've read this variety is more horizontally inclined than sp. Must I prune off low branches until it reaches the desired height, or might they be trained to be main vertical branches? If, in interest of form, I cut back a branch will it "fur" up? ( add branchlets- a technical term...) I'll send a pic later if useful. Thanks!

Christiana, TN(Zone 6b)

I'm not an expert but I would let the tree grow a couple of years so it can establish roots without staking. Then I would pick the best central leader and stake it and cut off all the rest, as long as you don't overly weaken the plant.
That's just what I would do myself. I hope someone comes along with an 'expert' opinion.

Jamestown, CA

Thanks, deadbunny. I have discovered that shortened branches will "fur out" on this tree. And it seems that choosing multiple stems and staking them may well result in them holding that stance and horizontalizing out from there. And thanks to some helpful deer, it seems the tree isn't unduly traumatized by some casual munching. I'll keep at it!

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