Hello, I have two single trunk trees around 40 ft away from each other…… I wanted multi trunks but they were not available. I was wondering how to shape the tree so that some of the lower branches can grow in a dramatic fashion. Do I pick a branch that I want to grow and prune all the rest? Thank you for your time!!

Without knowing the species of tree you bought it is really not possible for me to advise you on pruning. In general, however, it is not wise to prune trees so they are lopsided because a strong wind could topple them over. Look at photos of trees in nature, particularly the species you want to prune, and you will get an idea of the most natural shape for that particular species.

Young specimens need training but after branches grow thick it is better not to prune California pepper trees very much at all since cutting out branches sometimes leads to host of problems. Sometimes if they grow in a windy location they develop an interesting shape simply from wind action. If you want to bring this about by early pruning, you will have to use your own ingenuity and artistic sense.