Smoke tree shape

Question

I just bought a smoke tree that has been trained more like a shrub. Can I stake it to try to get it retrained?

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Answer 1

Don't do much trimming this first year. The plant needs to establish good roots. It needs energy for that and energy comes from the leaves. Here is another article for you. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm

Answer 2

The plant is actually displaying its natural growth pattern.
The article below will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm