Collected Winged Elm

[markyscott]

Maybe a noob question, but why reduce the big roots ? For me that is a point of attraction, big sturdy roots for a big tree gripping the earth...
Is it to fit in a smaller pot ? Or just a question of "taste" ?

Hi Pieter. It’s all for aesthetics. In my opinion, the large roots are just unsightly and make the tree look unbalanced. There are a few really strong roots and a bunch of bare spots. My goal is to develop a more balanced surface root system spreading radially around the base of the trunk rather than a few really strong ones at particular points. So I graft new roots in the bare spots and reduce the big roots. It will also look better the show pot when it’s ready for it.

Scott

 

[markyscott]

Looking really good Scott. One of my favorite trees on Bnut.

Do you happen to know how long it took to heal the trunk chop? Was was it done completely while in a container? The chop on mine is a little smaller than yours but hasn't really healed too much over the years. I keep going back and forth on whether I should stick it in a big tub with large soil particles to heal the chop, or just work with what I have.

Thank you. I’m not sure how long it took. My understanding is that it was field grown for a number of years after it was collected. It was during that stage that the trunk chop was healed. I would imagine 5-10 years in the ground after collection, but I don’t know for sure.

- Scott

 

[markyscott]

After pruning apical flush and thinning.

 

[PieterVE]

Hi Pieter. It’s all for aesthetics. In my opinion, the large roots are just unsightly and make the tree look unbalanced. There are a few really strong roots and a bunch of bare spots. My goal is to develop a more balanced surface root system spreading radially around the base of the trunk rather than a few really strong ones at particular points. So I graft new roots in the bare spots and reduce the big roots. It will also look better the show pot when it’s ready for it.

Scott

Tx Scott, now I understand it better !

 

[MilyDarling]

This is a nice tree - great job with it!

I love the quote!

 

[markyscott]

Light thinning and leaf cutting to thin the apical growth. Before and after.

 

[sidetrack1]

So today I set and read this tread from start to last post, and just want to say thank you for sharing, this has been a great read. looking forward to seeing more of this great tree !

 

[markyscott]

So today I set and read this tread from start to last post, and just want to say thank you for sharing, this has been a great read. looking forward to seeing more of this great tree !

Thank you - glad you got something out of it.

- S

 

[just.wing.it]

Hey @markyscott, the tree is looking happy!
I'm sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread.....but I'm curious as to your thoughts on the lowest branch on the right.
I think the tree looks like it should have a branch here, and would potentially look unbalanced without it.....but I think its the straight section that keeps catching my eye.

 

[markyscott]

Hey @markyscott, the tree is looking happy!
I'm sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread.....but I'm curious as to your thoughts on the lowest branch on the right.
I think the tree looks like it should have a branch here, and would potentially look unbalanced without it.....but I think its the straight section that keeps catching my eye.

I think it should as well, but it’s a bit challenging to put one there and avoid the inside curve it the bend in the trunk. In the long run that might make the trunk look straighter. So the plan is to develop the low branch into a second trunk that will fill in some of the negative space on the right.

S

 

[markyscott]

Fall work.

 

[leatherback]

you are not wiring this tree anymore, and going by clip-grow and guy wires, do I see that right?

 

[Lars Grimm]

Great tree Scott! How have you found winged elms to heal over larger cut sites? Mine seems to be a lot less vigorous than my maples.

 

[markyscott]

you are not wiring this tree anymore, and going by clip-grow and guy wires, do I see that right?

I’ll still repositioning the occasional shoot, but less wiring at this stage to be sure.

- S

 

[markyscott]

Great tree Scott! How have you found winged elms to heal over larger cut sites? Mine seems to be a lot less vigorous than my maples.

Hi Lars. I think I’ve decided that this is a cedar elm and not a winged elm as I originally thought.

At any rate, the wounds have healed over pretty well. The original trunk chop is completely covered with callous tissue, as are all of the old branch removal wounds and pruning locations.

- S

 

[Haydee]

Lovely! Thank you for sharing the progress. I recently moved to Dallas, missing my HBS peeps. Hope all is well!

 

[markyscott]

Lovely! Thank you for sharing the progress. I recently moved to Dallas, missing my HBS peeps. Hope all is well!

We were wondering where you’d gotten to - wish you the very best, Haydee! Dallas has a pretty good club too. Second best in the state, I think.

S

 

[Haydee]

We were wondering where you’d gotten to - wish you the very best, Haydee! Dallas has a pretty good club too. Second best in the state, I think.

S

Thank you! Yes, planning to join the Club here in Dallas soon.

 

[Haydee]

I am planning to repot this big boy this weekend. Cedar Elm (Not current picture ) . Any recommendations? I will use the same pot. How much should I trim the roots?. Need to re-read the thread to see if you already post something related. Hope all is well, Scott.

 

[markyscott]

I am planning to repot this big boy this weekend. Cedar Elm (Not current picture ) . Any recommendations? I will use the same pot. How much should I trim the roots?. Need to re-read the thread to see if you already post something related. Hope all is well, Scott.
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Hi Haydee. If it’s healthy, they can tolerate significant root correction if needed.

scott