Is it normal for a tree to have gaps in its canopy?

[Mugsandpens]

I've just bought an amanchelier grandiflora and there's a section of it where there aren't any branches.

Is this normal? I feel it looks a bit strange but is it likely to fill in? I'm just wondering whether I should get in touch with the online nursery I bought it from but as I am a tree novice would like to check if it is normal first!

I would send them the photo and ask if this is normal. Doesnt look right to me. If you look at the trunk in the gap does it look like bits have broken off.

There aren't any broken branches but there are little round knots where it looks like there should have been a branch, hopefully you can see on the attached photo. I'm assuming these little marks would have become branches? I don't actually know enough about trees to know for sure!

It does look a little odd, doesn't it? I wonder if it was grown against a wall or fence and whether that would make a difference?

If you cut a line in the bark horizontally above the notch then you might be able to force the plant to grow a branch in the empty space. (Disclaimer,- I read this in a gardening book and have never actually done it myself).