Some Tree History: I have a Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) in my backyard planted in fall 2016. In spring 2017 I found out (from Oakland Nursery Dublin, OH help desk) that white pine weevil killed the leader branch of that spruce. In 2017 I pruned out that dead branch out and selected a healthy adjacent branch that was upwardly growing and bound it to a short straight bamboo stake with green horticultural tape at various points along the branch. The stake was removed after a year. In fall 2017 (and subsequent falls) I used BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed 12-month duration systemic insecticide and fertilizer at the base of the spruce per container directions to prevent weevil damage for the following spring. In April 2018 (and subsequent Aprils) I also applied permethrin contact insecticide on the area at and near the leader branch. The spruce in year 2021 about 11 – 12 feet tall and about 8 feet across at its base. Problem: In 2021 I’ve noticed another branch is competing with my trained leader branch (see attached photos, one showing labeled branches on the spruce and another showing the full spruce). I understand that apical dominance/maintaining a single leader is important to maintain the conical shape of the spruce and to prevent the spruce from splitting apart between top branches. Should I leave the spruce alone and allow the two branches to compete for sole leader domination (if that can occur) or should I prune down the competing branch and, if so, to what extent (to the base of that branch at the spruce trunk or to where else)?