I would use it to gently tie the new leader to with expandable green nursery tape and then cut it off in the fall. Here is a link with some options to consider....

Steve

Here is a link that might be useful: Establishing a New Leader on Young Tree

i doubt it broke .. i would theorize the wholesaler cut it.. for ease of shipping ..

DO NOTHING... for now ...

besides properly planting it...

you have just a great a chance of breaking off the new bud.. than you do of properly cutting it.. way down in there ...

clean it up in fall.. when the new growth has hardened off ..

see link for proper planting... lets discuss any variable.. you think you can do better... and dont.. because you wont ...

ken

ps: its a tree... why is it in the house??? since its leafed out... perhaps it should stay in the garage for a bit.. but NOT THE HOUSE ... might help if we knew where you are ...

pps: i cant tell you how many leaders i have screwed up.. because i was working on my time.. instead of tree years .... meaning.. you have 3 to 5 years to fix this.. so i ask.. whats your hurry????

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Thanks for the replies. Ken: It broke. I broke it while moving it into the garage. DidnâÂÂt think going from a heated greenhouse to 20 degree temps at night would be good for it. Rest easy. ItâÂÂs NOT IN THE HOUSE. ;=)

Ken, here in warm zone six my out in the yard crab is pretty much leafed out. Now if I was up with you rooting for the Vikings or Canadians I might still be shovelin snow ;)