Pine tree

[SFC]

I have a pine tree about 10 feet tall that now has two main tips starting at about 6 feet should I cut one off? The tree is a Blue Spruce.

[Bowfin]

I would cut one off. If you want the tree to grow "up" and not "out" choose the best looking leader and snip the other off.

[croixflats]

Yep cut one off! Leave the one that is most straight with the trunk. If both are kitty waumpus use a straight stick of some sort and gently form the now exsisting leader to follow it creating a splint. Use a nylon sock or something to that effect to tie it off for growth. Be sure to make the stick long enough to be able ride along the trunk to prevent the top from bending over. Ounce the you feel the leader is trained remove splint.

[Powerstroke]

You can cut one off, but its not entirely detrimental. If the tree will look worse with one piece missing then I say leave it.

If this is a 10ft tree, I wouldn't even bother with the "splint". This tree is far too big and too many people try the splint thing. You're mire likely to do more damage than good. If the tree is designed to grow vertically then it will do it. If it doesn't there isn't much you can do about it.

[Steve Foss]

The other reason to cut one off is you don't want a fork that narrow as the tree matures. The older it gets, the more water and freeze/thaw cracking will weaken and rot the fork, shortening the life of the tree.

On a spruce you shouldn't have to alter the remaining leader in any way. When cutting, leave an inch or so of a stub after the cut. This will allow the tree to heal the cut faster and more completely than if you cut it flush.

In 20 years, only a very experienced eye will have any inkling the tree had two leaders in its youth.