Elm 2# from Mr. Kim's

[milehigh_7]

Here is the second elm I picked up. He did not mention the cultivar so I am assuming it is just parvifolia. However I have never seen a trunk this color and he said it had been in a can for a very very long time. It was interesting so I thought I would see what could be done with it. Thoughts are welcome.

 

[milehigh_7]

a few more pix

 

[milehigh_7]

So I put the caliper on this and it is 3" at the base. I just need a plan to proceed.

 

[JudyB]

Looks like you've got some nice movement there but could use more taper. I would grow sacrifice branches, and cut that second straight leader off. I'd also shorten the leader you're keeping back a bunch, it's too fat for too long. Then I'd let it grow... Nice stock.

 

[Smoke]

They are that color because they come from China. Once in the USA, especially here in Fresno where it's hot, they turn grey all over. The rough bark should stay but it will be almost white in a year.

Probably a drake elm Ulmus parvifolia "Drake"

Thats the most common elm on earth, also a scourage.

 

[Poink88]

Looks like you've got some nice movement there but could use more taper. I would grow sacrifice branches, and cut that second straight leader off. I'd also shorten the leader you're keeping back a bunch, it's too fat for too long. Then I'd let it grow... Nice stock.

I agree. I'd also shorten the lowest main branch by a third (or half).

Nice size and love the bark.

 

[milehigh_7]

Considering a pretty major trunk chop on this. It is just a mess and I need a good long term plan. What say you all?

[video=youtube_share;sNJ2WiJGyHs]http://youtu.be/sNJ2WiJGyHs[/video]

 

[Si Nguyen]

Thanks for bumping this thread back. Nice tree. I like it. I see that you had chopped off that top big branch. Good. Now chop the lower fat branch too. It is too straight and ugly. I think you got the tree leaned over nicely. The rest of the trunk has a natural pleasing curve. I would not chop it lower, if that's what you are thinking. Just let the small branches grow freely this year. Then wire them next year. I think this could be a very nice bonsai in 4-5 years. I see a real cool weeping style tree in this one, which would go very well with the leaning trunk. The only thing that doesn't fit in this tree is that lowest fat straight trunk. Chop it!

 

[milehigh_7]

Thanks Si,


Just to make sure, cut off at the arrow?

 

[Si Nguyen]

Yes, or even lower, right at the junction with the trunk.

 

[Lancaster]

I agree. Cut that branch off completely. It is way too thick already. You will never be able to develop that branch. Start with all new branches now and develp them the way you want. I think if you don't cut it, you will regret it in the long run.

-Troy

 

[Poink88]

Really depends on what you want....I can see that branch becoming your new leader and cut (air layer) the trunk past it as an option too. If it is the case then you can shorten it but not remove.

Otherwise, yes, I am inclined on reducing it down to 1" or 1.5" long...or even totally removing it.

 

[bwaynef]

Thoughts are welcome.

I'd fix the roots with a layer of some sort first.

 

[milehigh_7]

Really depends on what you want....I can see that branch becoming your new leader and cut (air layer) the trunk past it as an option too. If it is the case then you can shorten it but not remove.

Otherwise, yes, I am inclined on reducing it down to 1" or 1.5" long...or even totally removing it.

I had originally been leaning that way but it just never felt quite right... I will think on it some more before I do anything...

 

[Poink88]

For the record, I will most likely not use the younger branch as a new leader too. Just presenting another option (good that you already knew about/saw it already).

It s a tough one. Good luck!

 

[milehigh_7]

Okay I thought about it and that low branch is gone at the trunk.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana] [/FONT]