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small_trunksJerry in Amsterdam, Zn.8b, 45yrs exp., 300+ trees•

Nice movement - but it needs lower foliage. So you'll have to spend some years chasing that back. I wouldn't chop it like you suggested.

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NurseryStockBoiAlex, Melbourne, USDA 10, Forever a Beginner, 50+ Trees/Sticks•

Outside of being a cheap practice medium? Maybe... It's a bit tricky but I see two general approaches here. Moderate pruning and styling to achieve a nice tree maybe one day, or hard pruning back to a few small branches.

I feel like you get a better chance at a better tree with the extreme approach, but chances of survival are slim. In these situations how much you spent on it, and how much you want to keep it alive are major factors.

I like the trunk, it's a shame it's a bit leggy.

Best of luck with this one!

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performancebonerOPOregon, Zone 9a, Beginner, 5 Pre•

Today I think I'll scrape at the mass of stubs in the center to make sure it's dead, and then try to get rid of it depending. Then a hard prune early next year. I'll give it a fighting chance before I carve out its guts!

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small_trunksJerry in Amsterdam, Zn.8b, 45yrs exp., 300+ trees•

If you manage to get back budding - I'd say this is your front and where the main foliage pads should be.

https://i.redd.it/osb0m6ymvvg91.png

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performancebonerOPOregon, Zone 9a, Beginner, 5 Pre•

I like this a lot, thanks for taking the time to think about it and draw it out! I've read that this species doesn't readily back bud, but those little lower branches are evidence that it isn't impossible.

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small_trunksJerry in Amsterdam, Zn.8b, 45yrs exp., 300+ trees•

YW. You can also see now why I originally said NOT to remove that whole half of the tree...

2