Random tree in a hedge

[BobbyLane]

Thanks, that's a really good idea. I always really struggle to see in my head what it could look like. I think I am still too nervous about making drastic cuts.

I mean, you could simply google images of clump style bonsai, and study the good ones. You could google clump style elm bonsai and research the 3 trunk ones, store images. Have an inspiration folder. and I mean, there are clump style trees in your local parks and forests. I feel like when people say they cant think of an image, theyre just not putting in the research, its much easier to ask someone on a forum than scan numerous images, take pictures etc. Dont take this the wrong way, but thats how I learnt myself and google is free, its free to go out in the park and take pics of beautiful trees and its also good for the mind and health
but yes in the end its a process, it takes time to hone your eye.

 

[bonsai-novice]

I've decided to try and be braver and cut more material off this (though i assume I should wait until winter for that?). Here were my two ideas. Does anyone have any thoughts on which they think would look nicer ?

 

[plant_dr]

I would go with the first option, but also chop it back really hard in late winter/ early next spring. Be very brave, and chop it approximately to the yellow area and you will get new growth popping where the green leaf shape is drawn. This will give you some good movement in your lower trunk and you will start to build good taper in your tree.

 

[bonsai-novice]

Thanks for that. I always really struggle to cut them hard as I can never envisage how it will look after. I think it is some kind of hornbeam? so you think a single trunk would be best as opposed to a two or three as it is?

Also, wh yoy cut through a fairly thick branch like that, is it best to do a flat cut, or should you do an angled cut facing away from the front so it is hopefully disguised a bit?

 

[Shibui]

I think the 2 trunks have great potential. Both echo the same line which is really good for twin trunk. Single trunk bonsai are everywhere. Good twin trunk is not so easy.
Here's my suggestion.

Tilt the trunk 30deg to the right to bring the left trunk to a more dominant position.
Remove the lowest right branch /trunk.
Raise soil height to cover inverse taper below the fork. Layer the trunk at that position to get improved nebari in the best position.
Chop the left trunk a little higher than your original line. Chop right trunk a little lower to keep it subordinate and push growth out away from the main trunk.

Also, wh yoy cut through a fairly thick branch like that, is it best to do a flat cut, or should you do an angled cut facing away from the front so it is hopefully disguised a bit?

If you have a strong side branch to cut back to you can go straight to a cut angled down and to the rear.
If replacement shoots are still small and weak or no side shoots available, initial cuts can be flat. After new shoots grow and strengthen you can then cut closer and to the rear. Weaker shoots don't always survive when cuts are made close.

I think it is some kind of hornbeam?

I can't get a good, clear look at the leaves but more likely elm of some sort IMHO but hornbeam leaf is similar so you may be correct.