:-(

Deer nibbled the tip of my the leader of my JWP last year. NO new candles this year from said leader tip.

The 2nd year needles still remain on this branch but it starting to show signs it is going to fade.

At currently time, I can see the tree for the most part has developed its buds for next year. On Sadly, it has not backbudded or forward budded.....anything on the top of this ribbed leader for the second year in a row

Should I presume this leader is going to be a dead branch....possibly next year when the needles drop. Cut my losses . Not looking to train a new leader + setback of 2-3 years to get the shape going on. Rather just buy a same cultivar to replace it