I see Steve is upping his posts, why I can only imagine. Steve what is with this non stop dribble that sounds like the rest of us?
Joe, the lines should be slightly slack. They are to give support in high winds. Three at about 120 degrees apart should be all you need. Cover the area at the base of each with compost if you have it. Use straw if you can not get compost. You want to wait two years before you trim and remove those lines.
Then you can shape the trees for whatever you want with more success. I trim in December through March why the threes are dormant and I only trim 20% max. I find 6'6" is a good limb base and train the trees so the lower limbs are 6' 6" or better above the ground. Unless it is a pine.
Hang in there with your trees.
