Question about sacrafice branches?

[wrcmad]

Hi all,

I currently have a nice sacrifice branch growing from the apex of a chinese elm to thicken the final section at the top of the trunk which was chopped last year.
The sacrifice branch has forked into two equal leaders, and both are growing vigorously.
I was wondering if the desired thickening would be achieved faster if I removed one of the leaders, and left a single leader to continue growing?
Is it the height (or length) of the sacrificial branch that results in faster thickening to enable the branch to support the extending length?
Or, is it the foliage/multiple branching drawing nutrients into the sacrifice branch that thickens it faster?

I am aware I need to keep the foliage in check in the sacrificial branch, in order to balance energy and maintain healthy lower branches which are being developed at the same time. So I regularly trim excess foliage from the lower sections of the sacrifice branch while letting the tip extend to try and keep the bottom branches pushing along.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Inspired]

Hi wrcmad. Think of it this way.

When we fork branches, then refork those on the end again, then again, what happens to the energy and subsequent leaves?

Bingo. You got it. Now I'm sure you know what to do

[wrcmad]

Thanks!