Elm - Big Decision

[jimlau]

I'm undecided which way to go with this elm. i can either style it as a formal upright, with the trunk line as-is. Or i could chop the trunk part way up and use the thick side branch as the new leader. That branch is rather bolbous and scarred, as show in the last photo.

Any opinions?

 

[JudyB]

Personally, (and that's a key issue here) I'd keep the tree in it's current pic one form. I don't see this tree as a good candidate for formal upright, but it has the makings of a nice informal upright done in the naturalistic style. You're already halfway home if you take that approach.

I also think that you could do a more traditional styling with using that side branch as the continuation of the lower trunk, and (again) personally, I like the scarring and bulbous nature of that branch. But it is a personal taste, that not everyone will like.

So really I guess I'd ask, what kind of bonsai floats your boat? I myself am drawn to certain forms of both types, and try to go with whatever the tree already has as it's best assets.

 

[Poink88]

I'll do your 3rd pic/virt but leave a stub for some carving opportunity at chop point. If it doesn't work out, you can still chop it later as you've shown here. This is based on some of my flush chop experience (that I regret now).

IF you want to make sure it doesn't grow back at that branch...you can remove the bark and kill that portion..almost like jin but leave it like that until you have a definite plan. Also leave the bark edge irregular (not straight) if you do this.

Good luck!

 

[Adair M]

This tree could never be a "Formal Upright". A Formal Upright is perfectly straight. Very, very few trees are suitable for that style.

 

[jimlau]

this was 1 idea if I chopped it low (minus the deadwood suggested).

if i leave as is, is it best to go with somewhat horizontal branches, or what I think is more traditional elm form which has thin branches turning more vertical as you go up the tree?

thanks.

 

[JudyB]

Well the virt you made is certainly very nice for a pine, but not so good for an elm. Take a look around on the web for good examples of naturalistic bonsai to steer your eye should you choose to go this route.

 

[jimlau]

I've had several suggestions to keep both, kind of a twin trunk style. Any suggestions on how to handle branching in that case?

I take it no branches that cross the other trunk. What about branches on the top trunk that would be over the smaller one?

Thanks.