Some trees most definitely will ramify later on, but this is where it becomes a personal preference. If you have a large number of seedlings and/or juveniles then it gives more room for experimentation.
Either way, whether the tree is 8mths old or 8 years old, pruning can be done with no ill effects. A younger tree's pruning site will become unnoticeable sooner.
Pruning will and does induce more blooms, due to more branching from pruning.
A friend has a really nice tree that is about 2 1/2' tall with a nice group of branches at the top. It is a standard type or tower as some may call it.
What I see with Crissy's tree, is lack of stability. Due to longer grow and a stem that cannot support the upper half. Realizing that the tree was lacking water originally is a factor previously, but now erect, rejuvenated by water uptake. It still shows a lack of stability. More sunlight could help with this.
Crissy, I make these comments only as constructive criticism. This is your tree and what ever you like is up to you.
Rick
