Shape...

[Cody]

I have a chinese elm. for 6 months now. new to bonsai. she is doing very well right now though as i have read and read and read on how to care for her. next step is decideing how to shape her. what are you best opinion ideas on how to shape her? here are 2 pictures taken just a few days ago. thanks all in advance!

 

[Cadillactaste]

Notice your photo is far away and looking down on the tree. One can not make out even where the branches come off the trunk. Try a shot where you are looking eye level at the trunk. Then add photos of all four sides.

Example

 

[Cody]

Notice your photo is far away and looking down on the tree. One can not make out even where the branches come off the trunk. Try a shot where you are looking eye level at the trunk. Then add photos of all four sides.

Example
View attachment 148277

Ok. I will do tomorrow. Sorry about that. Guess I wasn't even paying attention to that lol

 

[Cadillactaste]

Ok. I will do tomorrow. Sorry about that. Guess I wasn't even paying attention to that lol

It's actually a very common mistake. I'm sure you will get some direction once photos allows ones to see the bones of the tree more.

Remember it's only advice...its up to you to chew it over...and see if it lines up with a vision you see yourself taking with the tree.

Enjoy your journey...

 

[Smoke]

Well I know it's a 'her'....so can't wait to see 'her' shape!

 

[Cody]

Here are the pictures I said I would post.

 

[Cadillactaste]

@Cody here's the thing...you have the S trunk...some disfavor it. But, some admire the serpentine shape. To me...your best views from what I seen are these two.

Now you may get advice to air layer...I doubt if your up for the challenge. So let's tackle this from where you stand. Which of these two angles brings the tree toward the viewer the most? Thinking the first one most likely. My advice to you is with a round pot your front is easily able to be found. By turning until the S isn't as sharp...and the tree leaning toward the viewer. Once the chosen front is found. Mark it with a broken chopstick in the pot. So you don't lose it. Then...you can work on taking the front to the next direction.

 

[sorce]

Now you may get advice to air layer...I doubt if your up for the challenge.

I gotta disagree!
Our boy Dash knocked it out and has proceeded to grow!
https://www.bonsainut.com/posts/461559/

Not...must do...

But...must do!

Her!

Lol!

Sorce

 

[Cadillactaste]

I gotta disagree!
Our boy Dash knocked it out and has proceeded to grow!
https://www.bonsainut.com/posts/461559/

Not...must do...

But...must do!

Her!

Lol!

Sorce

Well, I'm not ready...lol one day I will have to tackle it. With a low ground layer for the wisteria sucker I am training...But I hear the most reasons of unsuccessful attempts are...they dry out.

 

[sorce]

Well, I'm not ready...lol one day I will have to tackle it. With a low ground layer for the wisteria sucker I am training...But I hear the most reasons of unsuccessful attempts are...they dry out.

I think...generally...
Success is More likely than failure.

Sorce