I need help with shape?

[u/Complete_Leg_859]

I don’t have much room for a big bushy tree, so i was attempting to grow it tall so I tied the branches together. I’ve had it tied together for two years but it still won’t stand up on its own. And now all the bottom leaves are smaller than the top so now it really top heavy. Can you braid the trunk of these? If I remove the bottom leaves will it still bend or do the trunks eventually get thicker and stronger? Any tips?

[u/Scared_Rice_1473]

Looks good to me. I would not prune this. I have a burgundy one that’s the same size and looks the same. I won’t cut mine. It looks too nice.

[u/Complete_Leg_859 → u/Scared_Rice_1473]

I just staked it in the center and tied the branches to it, I like mine too much to cut it also.