Mugo Pine var. Pumilio front selection




Which of these is the best front for this Mugo Pine? I havent decided specifically what style design this tree is going to be, but its got a super thick trunk base flare, and some dramatic branching. Thanks!

Forgot to add: along with front selection, I’m going to do branch selection to design later in the season as well, so advice on that would also be appreciated!

Of the images shown, I like 3. The trunk shows support on the left, with the tree leaning right. This also takes most of the vertical and horizontal lines out of the tree (except that top branch). You could think about removing that vertical piece, and use the right leaning branch as the new leader. Or, there’s always the option to branch select and let the tree grow, knowing that vertical piece will be a future sacrifice.
Cheers!