One ugly trunk

[M. Frary]

Here's a few photos of one ugly trunk. The tree is a regular old Chinese Elm. I just got it as a gift. Don't know where it came from so its here to stay. Does anyone know why the bark comes off in big hunks . I have a Seiju and some Siberian Elms and their bark is pretty tight.

 

[Zach Smith]

Here's a few photos of one ugly trunk. The tree is a regular old Chinese Elm. I just got it as a gift. Don't know where it came from so its here to stay. Does anyone know why the bark comes off in big hunks . I have a Seiju and some Siberian Elms and their bark is pretty tight.

Chinese elm is also called lacebark elm. The bark exfoliates on specimens several years old and older.

Zach

 

[october]

Almost looks like a dancing octopus. Any plans for it? You could do a ground layer. Seems like it might be a nice tree if the trunk started right around where it splits.

Rob

 

[M. Frary]

Not sure what I'm going to do just yet. It's kind of growing on me. I don't have any ugly trees. This might be it. My main concern was/is the shedding bark. Maybe a ground layer is in it's future I'm on the fence about the direction to take it.

 

[misfit11]

It seems as if the bark coming off down to bare wood. It doesn't look like it is a simple case of the outermost layer exfoliating. Is this the case? If so, I'd be concerned that you've got root issues. It looks as if you have it in good bonsai soil. Does it dry out somewhat between waterings? The reason I ask is because bark coming off like this can be a symptom of root rot.

I hope I'm wrong.

Cory

 

[M. Frary]

Bark is falling off down to bare wood. Root rot huh? Its got new growth. The soil is very free draining but its organic. I've only had this tree 3 weeks.

 

[misfit11]

Bark is falling off down to bare wood. Root rot huh? Its got new growth. The soil is very free draining but its organic. I've only had this tree 3 weeks.

Yes. Before I knew better I had a Japanese Quince that was in less than ideal bonsai soil. Consequently, it stayed wet for waaayyy too long. Although it would put on new growth and flower, I started noticing the bark flaking off. It wasn't long before I was giving it it's last rites.

Like I said, I may be wrong. Lord knows it has happened before... Regardless, the fact that the bark is flaking off is not a good sign. Watch the watering on this guy throughout the rest of the summer and through the winter. Next spring (if it makes it) you can lift it from the pot and inspect the roots and repot in some nice inorganic soil. The fact that this is an Elm is in your favor. They are pretty resilient.

Good luck

Cory

 

[M. Frary]

Been watching the over watering on this tree but like I said I only just got it . Like 3 weeks ago. My brother got it from Hollow Creek Bonsai. That is in North Carolina. He ordered it online. I contacted them and as long as it is still growing they said it should be fine. Also they said trees are not returnable.