DEVELOPING A NEW TRUNKLINE AND BRANCH STRUCTURE ON DECIDUOUS TREES

Very comprehensive and well written article on leader and branch development

Extract:

The main principles to understand when developing new trunklines (new ‘leaders’) or branches on bonsai are as follows:

The shoots (be they potential branches or leaders) with the most growth will thicken the fastest.

The shoots with the least growth will thicken slowest.

To encourage growth in a shoot, do not prune that shoot.

To encourage maximum growth in a shoot, prune all other shoots on the tree.

To stop a shoot growing, pinch back that shoot.

To minimise growth, do not let the new growth extend (by pinching the new growth as it opens)

For complete explanation and better understanding of the process visit:

Link:

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATDeciduousBonsaiBranchStructure.html

Another good article on trunk chopping:

http://bonsaijournal.com/beginners-trunk-chop-101.php