Central Leader
/SEN-trul LEE-der/🌲 Arboriculture●● Intermediate
Also known as: dominant leader, single leader
A tree training form where one main trunk (leader) is maintained as the dominant vertical axis from the ground through the top of the crown. Most shade trees and conifers naturally develop central leader form. Maintaining a single leader produces stronger structure than competing co-dominant stems.
Etymology
English central + leader
Example
“Maintain a strong central leader on young oaks by subordinating competing branches through selective pruning.”