Crab apple tree lost its leader

Hi,

I have a lovely "Prairie Fire" crab apple tree and last year its leader snapped. While the tree is still healthy otherwise, I wonder if this means that it will be stunted for life. What do you think?

I need it to get taller so that it screens the top of the fence and my neighbour's house a bit more.. If that is the case, my plan is to move it to a large pot (e.g. a full whiskey barrel) and put another tree in that spot (e.g. "Evereste" crab apple, though I am open to suggestions).

Thank you.

 

I'd cut it back to an upward pointing branch and stake that upright. It will take over the leading role

 

Thank you. I did wonder about that. So basically I would cut the part circled in yellow.

 

I doubt you need to do anything, the most vigorous vertical shoot will become the new leader on its own. I would remove the branch where you have marked it so you get a nicer looking tree and you will probably see new growth from this point that you could train as your new leader.

 

Thank you

 

Thanks again. This is how the tree looks now.