I made the Oriental Juniper in 2017. Since then, it went through a period of vigorous growth, which I let continue to make a kind of question mark. The result was the top grew strongly (like a mohawk, if I can switch metaphors), and the bottom weakened. So at some point recently I cut that top back, taking off about 10 inches. As a result, the lower pads are growing strongly once more
Overall, taking the top off was a good move, but there’s some follow-up needed.