Should I cut off new branches on my 1 year citrus?

Growing from seed, my lemon tree appears to have slowed down in terms of height, now around 35-40cm, and is now growing branches out of the main stem.

It’s a year and 2 months old, and is becoming crowded due to the development of branches of such a young age/height.

I’ve been avoiding cutting these off on the assumption that the more leaves the merrier , assuming the more leaves the more chance it will grow further.

Now as pictured it’s getting quite busy, should I break off the lower branches? Some of the new growing branches have actually died off at the end half whilst the stem half is still green, should I remove any branches that are dead at the end? Please see pictures.

The small leaves on the soil I just took off as they were at the very bottom and presumably insignificant

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Citrus naturally grow as bushes with branches all the way to the ground. No need to remove lower branches to force upward growth. That could result in a fast growing, but floppy leader that needs to be staked.

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