Chinese Elm - where to next?

[right_arugala_28]

Hiya folks! A total beginner here with a few trees that I've been mostly maintaining. One of them is this chinese elm that's been in my possession for 3 years now.

I remember being told when I first got the tree and asked what to do: keep it alive Well I kept it alive!

I never liked the shape of it but can't visualize what this tree could be so I've just been maintenance pruning and keeping it healthy...

I am totally open to drastic changes and was hoping for some advice. What would you recommend I look into or work towards? Please be kind - I am just learning!

Thanks so much!

 

[JudyB]

Hi, and welcome. Good for you keeping your tree alive for 3 years! There are lots of people who started with this same tree/shape/conundrum. Some chopped and made a whole different tree out of it, some just used the tree as a learning tree. If you search for "mallsai" here I'll bet you run across threads that show what some did. Elms are pretty hardy trees, you can do a lot to them and they can handle it.

 

[ponderingsage]

I personally would chop it (later in May after the leaves harden off and start paying the tree back) above the big curve … it continues taper-less past that point.

Unless you are in a place where you can grow it out in the ground to thicken the trunk.
Good luck

 

[AGentleman]

Absolute beginner here so don't do what I say but....

I wonder whether you could fuse those exposed roots to create a flared base next time you repot?



Looks like fun.
Good luck,
Greg

 

[Shibui]

Always start by analysing what features are good and what's a problem.

GOOD:
Good roots is a plus.
Reasonable curves on the lower section could be a plus.
Well placed branching on the lower section is a plus.

Problem:
Lack of taper has already been mentioned.
Thick, undefined branches in the apex.
Lack of secondary branch structure.
Roots a little too high - showing space under the roots.

From this it seems that most of the problems are in the upper part and most of the good aspects are down low.
Old Japanese bonsai saying. 'You have problem, cut him off. No more problem!'

One great aspect of elms is that we can chop almost anywhere and the trunk will make new shoots. We often chop elm trunks straight across because they grow new buds from the exposed cambium. Not sure we need to go that hard this time because there are suitable side branches to cut to which will not only reduce height but also give a start to a new trunk with added taper and a new bend.
Here's one possible suggestion:

Chop at the red lines.
Wire that branch and bend it upwards so it becomes the next section of the trunk.
As a result you should get more growth on those lower branches which are currently suppressed by the strong upper branches. Extra growth on the lower branches will help thicken them and allow you to grow and cut to develop secondary branching down there.

Remember all internet based advice is suspect. I can't see the real shape of the trunk or branches in 2D photos. ALWAYS take a critical look at the plan in relation to the actual tree to see if it's possible and desirable.

I wonder whether you could fuse those exposed roots to create a flared base next time you repot?

Fused roots is a great concept. Just wondering how that would be achieved at repotting?
Over time, as the existing roots thicken they will automatically fuse but without adding extra roots I can't see how you can make them fuse any faster.

 

[AGentleman]

Fused roots is a great concept. Just wondering how that would be achieved at repotting?

....no idea. I just made it up. I'm glad I added the "don't do what I say" caveat!

Over time, as the existing roots thicken they will automatically fuse but without adding extra roots I can't see how you can make them fuse any faster.

Thanks for clearing that up. I was secretly hoping someone more knowledgeable would pipe up.

I'll be quiet now and leave the discussion with the people who know.
Greg

 

[Shibui]

I'll be quiet now and leave the discussion with the people who know.

No problem with people asking questions. That's a great way to learn.

 

[right_arugala_28]

Thanks so much for the advice and replies here!

I just have a few more questions for my own learning

Lack of secondary branch structure.

By that do you mean, there are a few primary branches (albeit not great ones) but there is very little secondary branches off of them? Or something else entirely?

Chop at the red lines.
Wire that branch and bend it upwards so it becomes the next section of the trunk.

Just curious - how did you come to this conclusion? What was your thought process? Do you have a vision in mind of what the final shape may look like and are offering next steps to get there or are you just seeing what we have today and choosing what to keep based on that? A bit open-ended of a question but mostly I am trying to learn your thought process here so anything you choose to share would probably help me!