Well, not really.  A heavy branch fell into the yard from the woods and nicked of the main central stem (trunk) so I followed with a fresh cut about 1" above the top lateral branches.  Does this mean that the main branch will not grow in width to support the future weight lateral branches, or will it recover the same?  I do know that it is sometimes worthwhile to top the tree so that it doesn't grow lanky so maybe it was needed.  My concern is that the tree came in a 5 gal bucket from Monrovia and is about 3" ft tall.  I can't tell whether or not it is a first or second year tree and if it was too early to "lose" the leader. 

This is a black mission tree so it is not of the "bushier" type with the classic single trunk appearance.

What do you think?  Thanks!

   

Your tree will keep growing taller and thicker by the minute so not to worry. A new bud will take over and start going upwards until you stop it. It is up to you to train your tree and give it the look that is suitable to your needs! It looks like it's wilting a bit so maybe needs to be watered but other than that I think it will be just fine!
Best of luck!

Thanks very much!

It will grow just fine.  At least your damage was an accident.  I still find bitten main leaders daily.  We caught a possum, but it's still happening.  Drives me nuts.  The damage heals, and the tree goes on.  Critters just keep coming.........

Suzi

Ditto what Chris says...!   

Funny..... I had the same happen a few months ago, only by deer.  For some reason they took a liking for my 2 year old "Orphan", no sooner did it leaf out and they pruned and topped it for me.  It sure did force a bunch of new lateral branching, now I just have to see what I will keep and what to cut out.   Best of luck.

Sure this has been recommended before, but a sure fire deer and squirrel repellant that has worked for me is: a mix of your favorite hot sauce (Tabasco, etc.) and water or a pepper type tea sprayed on affected foliage.  I would have applied early this spring, but figs leafed out early this year thanks to weather. 

You need to do the tobasco daily cuz the things grow out of it.  HUGE mistake here.  Did it, thought it was done.  Who has time for daily Tobasco?  That poison works bettah

Suzi