Advice on how to prune this macadamia tree (forum)

MelbourneDan starts with ...
Hello all, I wanted to ask the collective wisdom here on I might prune this potted macadamia tree to encourage it to grow more branches lower down the trunk. The tree is approaching 8 feet and has only just started branching off.

If I were to cut off the top of the leader/main stem, would this encourage growth of shoots/branches from the sides? Is this a good idea?

Many thanks again in advance all, photos linked below

https://imgur.com/a/Yyi6SdF
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 21st November 2021 9:55pm

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About the Author MelbourneDan
MOONEE PONDS,3039,VICTORIA
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David01 says...
Hi MelbourneDan,

It looks like the leader will hit the ceiling soon. If you cut off the main let say 0.7m from ground (or pot) then new shoots or branches will grow below the cut. But it depends on how healthy of the tree. You need to feed slow released fertilizer to encourage the growth. Cheers

Time: 23rd November 2021 6:12pm

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About the Author David01
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MelbourneDan says...
Thanks David, yes it's getting on 7+ feet now! The tree is very healthy, though the buds at the base of the main leader are all dormant, I'm worried if I cut too low down the tree it might kill it. Are the buds likely to 'wake up' after the top is cut?
thanks for the response

Time: 29th November 2021 9:57pm

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David01 says...
Hi Dan,

If the root is healthy then it will grow new bubs after the top is cut especially this time of the year. Cheers

Time: 1st December 2021 11:58am

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About the Author David01
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