Pruning small ornamental trees

[Kurt5]

I've got two small Asian trees - stewartia and paperbark maple - that have developed twin central leaders. Both seem healthy and shouldn't grow huge, but I wonder if I should subordinate one leader for proper form, as would be appropriate for larger trees. They're currently 5' and 8' tall, respectively, with less than 2" caliper. My gut tells me to let nature be, but I need to make a decision this year for sure. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks,
Kurt

[Tigger]

Two of my absolutely favorite trees. Because of the great nature of the bark in both, I think they look great with a good "crotch" at eye level, as the peeling bark can get really interesting. But I could also see, at least for the stewartia, that you might want a more upright form. It might depend on siting, as well.

If you ever get a chance to visit Winterthur gardens and museum in Delaware, there are magnificent specimens of each on the drive to the visitors' pavilion, not 20' away from each other. Since they're not part of the main "gardens," I imagine many people miss them.

[Kurt5]

They're my favorites. too, Tigger. I've never been to Winterthur gardens, but I've seen mature specimens in the Asian section of the National Arboretum (which is lovely, by the way, if you get a chance to visit). Theirs are in partial shade, so they're growing more open structure than mine.

Another stunner I've had my eye on is Chinese quince. Beautiful, but hard to find. I tried to transplant one that a homeowner was going to cut down , but I'm not sure it'll survive.