It has a good size trunk, I am unable to visualize & evaluate root spread (if any) right now. There are a few woody disorganized surface roots but many more feeder roots. Not gonna worry about that right now though.

I thought I might develop the trunk line first, then evaluate as branches develop & finally work with the roots. All of this I'm planning to start come spring.

So I'm planning to do some pruning, I'm not sure if you can see it, I put a small x on each branch I wanted to remove.

The branch I chose to remain has a reasonable taper and a small branch at the top for a new leader.

The problem I'm having with this plan is that the branch behind is just as large as the one I'm planning to keep. Here's another view...

I'm wondering if this is a fair plan or is there an alternative that I missed. My goal for this spring is just to develop a trunk line to work with. I thought I would practice my air layering luck on this tree too. Thoughts or comments?

I CAN say that you need to eliminate some of the fat branches low on the plant (come spring) so it leaves you with some taper, and if you intend to use the branch, those areas that have more than 2 branches emanating from the same point or very close to the same point need to be cleaned up so they are only bifurcations (forks), not trifurcations (like a trident) or whatever comes after that, which would a busy-looking clump of branches all growing from the same spot.

Lol - I love problems like this, but hate it when it's not a hands-on thing where you can discuss multiple options and weigh the amount of time it will take to bring the ideas to fruition. Frustrating .....

If you look at the second picture, it looks like there are 3 main branches that make up the left side. I THINK the fat branch in the middle has to be cut nice & flush to the trunk so it's gone completely. And in case you need to use it in your end composition, make sure you clean up the first clump of branches on the forward growing branch off the right fork (second picture). I/m sure you'll get some buds breaking back on all the branches so you'll have lots of choices available that will favor a nice looking plant.

I can see you have some mondo root issues, just by what's growing on the surface, so it's good you plan to start working on that in spring. There is no question you can build a really nice tree out of what/s now growing above the soil line, but it's what you can do with the roots that will make or break the tree in the eyes of a judge. We all strive to make our trees as nice as they can, but as long as you're able to enjoy them and feel good about your progress, they're all beautiful ...... and still full of potential, as long as they're healthy.

Take good care.

Al