Crossing branches

[Fi5ch]

If I use the pics below as the front of this boxwood, should I prune off the low branch that crosses the trunk to the viewer's left?

 

[namnhi]

I can guarantee with you, Any tree will have crossing branches if you look at it from an angle. Do you see it when looking from the 'front' of the tree?

 

[Fi5ch]

Yes, the photos were taken from the front of the tree. It is a large healthy branch and without it there is nothing low going to the left of the tree, but it really blocks the trunk and closes at least one vertical branch/trunk as well. My instinct is to take it off, but once done there is no going back so I wanted to gauge the thoughts of this forum first.

 

[jeremy_norbury]

Yes, the photos were taken from the front of the tree. It is a large healthy branch and without it there is nothing low going to the left of the tree, but it really blocks the trunk and closes at least one vertical branch/trunk as well. My instinct is to take it off, but once done there is no going back so I wanted to gauge the thoughts of this forum first.

Meh - not convinced this is the front.

 

[bwaynef]

*IF* that's the front, that branch needs to go. If you're not ready to commit, it looks like the tree could use a hard prune (after letting it grow a bit wild(er) ) to hopefully force a bud to pop further back. The long bare sections are best avoided.

 

[canoeguide]

It seems to me that the lowest left and right branches come from the same spot (there appear to be four branches coming from the same location), and neither flows upwards like the rest of the tree does.

Neither fits in, and in my opinion, this would benefit from removing them both. Of course, removing them is going to leave a scar, and this may not be the best front in that case.

 

[Fi5ch]

The 4 sides are below; from L to R my choice, right side, back, left side with corresponding bases/bottom 1/3 of the trunk. Looking at it again, the rear (pics #3 & #7) may work and would put those two branches at the back.

 

[August44]

Sorry, I don't like the two lower branches and agree the tree needs to be seriously trimmed. Where does one get those baskets??

 

[Underdog]

Sorry, I don't like the two lower branches and agree the tree needs to be seriously trimmed. Where does one get those baskets??

10 in. Square Aquatic Plant Basket

I double them up to make the holes half as big and stronger.

I like the 3rd pic for front which is your current back I believe but without in person viewing...

 

[Fi5ch]

Those are Beckett pond baskets from Home Depot (https://www.homedepot.com/p/BECKETT-10-in-x-10-in-Plastic-Water-Garden-Basket-PBS1010/100187980?) @ $3.50 each with free shipping. I'm starting to think the 3rd pick 'rear' may be the best option as well.