American Elm Ground layer Question

[bray]

I have a couple of small elms that I'm training into broom style. They both need to be repotted in the spring for root work. One for sure maybe both need to be ground layered to address an issue with the trunk base right above ground level. My question is do I repot this next spring and start the ground layer the following spring, do all the work at the same time, or do the repot and start the ground layer after the leaves harden after the spring growth push? Probably for elms any of these plans would work but I would like some feedback on which path you think is the best way to go.
Thanks

 

[Jrmcmich]

I have a couple of small elms that I'm training into broom style. They both need to be repotted in the spring for root work. One for sure maybe both need to be ground layered to address an issue with the trunk base right above ground level. My question is do I repot this next spring and start the ground layer the following spring, do all the work at the same time, or do the repot and start the ground layer after the leaves harden after the spring growth push? Probably for elms any of these plans would work but I would like some feedback on which path you think is the best way to go.
Thanks

I will be interested in what others say but would imagine if you do a ground layer which would have new roots not much advantage to doing a repot as you would essentially “repot” with new rooted ground lager when it’s ready.

 

[Tieball]

A photo, or several photos, would be really helpful.

 

[bray]

will be interested in what others say but would imagine if you do a ground layer which would have new roots not much advantage to doing a repot as you would essentially “repot” with new rooted ground lager when it’s ready.

Well, why didn't I think of that. Sometimes you can't see what is right in front of you. Now i feel silly for the question. Thank you for the heads up and the direction to move.

A photo, or several photos, would be really helpful.

I'll post a couple soon. Not much to see right now it's just a small stick with a bunch of green on top, but some may like to see the start of these two trees. I'll probably want to post pics after leaf fall also to get input for trimming to get taper to the branches.
The trees were just seedlings that sprouted in the yard that I decided these two volunteered to teach me how to make a small broom.

 

[bray]

Am I correct to assume after the spring push has hardened would be the best time to begin the ground layer?

 

[Jrmcmich]

Am I correct to assume after the spring push has hardened would be the best time to begin the ground layer?

That’s what I would do. Not sure if you really have to wait for new growth to harden off since that will remain with tree just will have new roots.

 

[Shibui]

Elms are very resilient. I have no problem with repot and layer in one season but whether to repot of not depends how bad the current roots are. If the roots are very constricted now the trees may not cope with next summer. Each year more roots fill the spaces in the root ball making it harder and harder to get water and nutrients in. Many root bound trees decline through spring and summer that would have survived had they been repotted properly.
If the trees are only mildly root bound I'd leave them and do the layers but if there's any question I'd repot and layer anyway.

 

[bray]

Couple of pics of the broom beginnings
Broom 1 one you see the knot that needs to ground layered off
Broom 2 a little different style branching
Should have added something for scale pot are 4 & 5 inch I think
Humble beginnings for sure

 

[Jrmcmich]

Wondering if this could be improved over time with root pruning but not sure if that’s true or not. Those with more experience might have some knowledge on that but since smaller wonder if this is case or not

 

[bray]

Roots are lower so I don't think root pruning will work. It's hard to see in the pic but either this tree started out as a twin at birth and one trunk died or a first trunk died, and a second one started at ground level (don't remember picked up a bunch of seedlings that spring) and second one took off. Now you can see the top of the old trunk/branch. Best guess on how it got here. I believe this tree is going to have to be small based on how high the branches begin so it would take a long time for the trunk to swallow the nub. Since the tree is very young it probably would eventually.

 

[Jrmcmich]

Roots are lower so I don't think root pruning will work. It's hard to see in the pic but either this tree started out as a twin at birth and one trunk died or a first trunk died, and a second one started at ground level (don't remember picked up a bunch of seedlings that spring) and second one took off. Now you can see the top of the old trunk/branch. Best guess on how it got here. I believe this tree is going to have to be small based on how high the branches begin so it would take a long time for the trunk to swallow the nub. Since the tree is very young it probably would eventually.

Well if you decide to ground/air layer it you can decide how tall you want it before first branch.