Out of season elm collection

[aml1014]

So there is a siberian elm near my work that is soon to be tore up by the city. I know its way out of season but should I attempt to collect it.

 

[JoeR]

It would help if there was a picture or a general description of size

 

[aml1014]

I'll post a pic after work. It's about 3 to 4 inches thick at the base and was chopped by the city last year so maybe 6 feet tall with its new growth from this year.

 

[zelk]

I think you should attempt to save it if you think the material is worth it, I would just try to get enough undisturbed roots to sustain it, so prepare a decent sized pot and keep it in partial shade for some time as the trees ability to replace lost moisture will be compromised. You can refine the root system for bonsai in the coming seasons when the time is right and the tree has developed enough roots to be healthy.

 

[aml1014]

I have 50% shade cloth set up for all my trees (I live in the high desert) do you think that should be enough shade or do you think full shade would be better.

 

[zelk]

I cant say for certain, but by observing it carefully in the first few days you will know if the 50% shade cloth is sufficient. Make sure it doesnt get too hot or dry.

 

[aml1014]

Will do. I'll post pics of it after work and who knows maybe I'll try to dig it tomorrow morning and have some pics then too.

 

[M. Frary]

I've never dug one up in the summer. Especially summer in the high desert. If I had to though I would water the hell out of it before collection. That way the dry soil won't crumble off when you dig it up. I would also chop it down some. Maybe leave one low branch. If no low batches then cut it down to 8 to 10 inches tall. After getting it out I would leave the native soil on it this year. I would put it in a bucket with room enough to put free draining soil on the bottom and around the sides. Water the hell out of it again and place it in the shade. Then keep my fingers crossed.
These trees are some tough customers but they are not invincible. You will be asking a lot out of it but it may suprise you and survive.

 

[aml1014]

I've seen one grow from a large stump with no roots so I've got good hopes. Granted it was potted at the right time.

 

[Zach Smith]

So there is a siberian elm near my work that is soon to be tore up by the city. I know its way out of season but should I attempt to collect it.

Be sure to seal any chops and cuts over 1/4" in diameter, and defoliate! Dust the larger cut roots (not the very fine roots if you get any) with rooting powder, pot, water, keep watered and wait two weeks. I've never collected or worked with Siberian elm, so have no clue if it'll make it. I know cedar elms do, and water-elms do best this time of year.

Good luck!

Zach

 

[sorce]

Do it. Post it!

Sorce

 

[Cypress187]

So there is a siberian elm near my work that is soon to be tore up by the city.

In my city there are these beautifull natural tapering tree's (in huge pots), which are totally dieying and loosing (dryed up) leaves because there is no care for them (too hot). It's very hard to look at them because i see their potential going to waste. Well, it's not mine and they are not planted for bonsai but i still hate to see good material go to waste, keep up the tree rescue operations .

 

[aml1014]

I went ahead and started the dig today and while attempting to get the tap root I ended up taking a hammer to the hand. So I went ahead and re buried it water it in really well and left it for a later date (hopefully soon) but I will post an update when I am able to get it. Lol busted hand and I'm still not gonna give up, shows what kind of people we are.

 

[aml1014]

In my city there are these beautifull natural tapering tree's (in huge pots), which are totally dieying and loosing (dryed up) leaves because there is no care for them (too hot). It's very hard to look at them because i see their potential going to waste. Well, it's not mine and they are not planted for bonsai but i still hate to see good material go to waste, keep up the tree rescue operations .

I'm always rescuing plants I can't help it

 

[M. Frary]

What are you using a hammer for dude? Saws man saws for cutting wood.
You weren't beating the root were you?

 

[Bunjeh]

If it is going to be destroyed anyway,..give it a chance.

 

[Robert E Holt]

I rescued two from a pile of bricks I was moving a week ago. These poor elms had been hit with round-up a couple of times this year and based on the taper cut back multiple times. The largest of the two looked like a mess but I figured with some work I might be able to make something of them. Anyway the largest was about 2 inches across and I had to cut it out of the bricks! I cut it about three inches up from the ground. The only roots I got were some roots growing from the trunk where dirt had piled up around the bricks. The smaller still had some of its roots. Both are in nursery buckets on my deck. I have been watering them heavily every day. The smaller one has new leaves after 1 weeks. The larger still has green leave although I have not seen any new growth yet.

 

[PiñonJ]

You weren't beating the root were you?

Must... Resist... Joke!

 

[zelk]

Those roots are going to be fun to work on

 

[rockm]

Cut off ALL the green growth. If you leave it, it will try to use the nonexistent root system. That will possibly burn the trees out. You're forcing the tree to start from scratch with the root. The top should also start from square one. Elms are extremely resilient.