Drake elm, maybe, concrete galoshes

[BillsBayou]

Long history of ignoring the tree. I did the “V” cut on the trunk years ago and it responded well. But my adventure with the roots has been crap. Last year I set concrete around the base. Time to actually follow up.

I nicked the base and treated it with rooting hormone. The plastic collar is from a nursery pot. The soil I used is a special blend I call “crap”. Then I soaked everything, said a prayer to a few saints, spun clockwise twice, widdershins once, and spit at the devil over my left shoulder.

Here’s some pics

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Long history of ignoring the tree. I did the “V” cut on the trunk years ago and it responded well. But my adventure with the roots has been crap. Last year I set concrete around the base. Time to actually follow up.

I nicked the base and treated it with rooting hormone. The plastic collar is from a nursery pot. The soil I used is a special blend I call “crap”. Then I soaked everything, said a prayer to a few saints, spun clockwise twice, widdershins once, and spit at the devil over my left shoulder.

Here’s some pics

I know what the concrete around the base is for but it would be nice if you tell everyone else. Love the bark, also I thought it was spit on the Devil.

 

[BillsBayou]

The concrete is there to act as a base for a new set of roots. As the tree grows and the trunk thickens the concrete will cause it to swell and eventually put out new roots. You can do the same thing with fender washers, a tight loop of heavy gauge wire, or a CD. I used concrete instead of wire because the trunk is irregular. Once new roots develop I cut off everything below it. I’ll likely need a hammer and chisel to break the concrete.

 

[Darth Masiah]

...I soaked everything, said a prayer to a few saints, spun clockwise twice, widdershins once, and spit at the devil over my left shoulder.

that's how you do it

 

[KateM]

You always should spit on the devil trice!