Can't help with the question but will say that I cringe at the word "whack". LOL

Good thing people love their dogs so much, huh? We put up with a lot from them. :)

Actually, I probably would do some "whacking" to shape it up.

not my dog, the dog belonged to the guy I bought it from, but I got it for $10 & it`s Charlotte Ebert.

My dogs did knock off a big chunk of one of the plummies in the back yard, it is thrown to the side waiting to dry out.

I am ruthless when whacking at plants, I do love my machete.
Tally HO!

Charlotte Ebert for $10?????

LOL

I've been dying for a CE but had to wait for one to be grafted then there was a communication error... grrr. Anyway, I'll get one eventually. :)

Be careful of that machete. Hope no one makes you mad when you have it in your hand. LOL

i'd cut back both branches.

Beachplant,
I would cut the left branch to about 12" from the joint. I would then down-graft the right branch to be about 12" from the joint. If the graft fails, I would root the scion as a cutting and straighten out the rootstock part. Do you know how to graft?
George