Shohin Zelcova Gets a Trim

[Mellow Mullet]

OK, I know it is not much, but it is one of my favorites. It started as an air layer from a larger tree several years ago. I don't have pictures as it was not a good time for me and the ex-wife got the desk-top that had a bunch of my bonsai pictures on it. But here it is today after its final haircut before it takes a rest for winter. The pot looks bad, but it was all that I had at the time. What do you think?

 

[sorce]

Nice trunk!

If its ok....I hope the computer crashes! Lol.

Sorce

 

[Adair M]

It looks like you have a heavy horizontal branch on the right that's about 3/4 the thickness of the trunk. It's just too heavy. You ought to remove it. It would make the trunk look bigger if you did.

 

[Mellow Mullet]

I was looking at that one, too. I will readdress it in the Spring, I was just having a little fun shaping it up before all of the leaves fell. Haven't decided what to do about it, that side of tree will be awfully bare without it.

John

 

[Adair M]

The time to assess Zelkova is when they are bare of leaves. In fact, that is when they are shown in Japan. With the leaves on, you can't really see what's there.

 

[Adair M]

Spring is the wrong time to cut that off, if do decide to. Cut it off now when the sap is not rising. Do use cut paste.

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Late winter, early spring is the perfect time to trim, I have done it for years, and I always used cut paste on larger cts.

Thanks,

John

 

[jedge76]

This is a really beautiful little tree with nice taper and movement. Did you get any fall color pics? A new pot at some point and this will be a wonderful tree for any collection.

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Thanks, jedge, I did not get any fall color pictures. This far South, we really don't get regular fall color. The leaves usually shrivel up and turn brown, which is what it did this year--not pretty. I am looking for the right pot, either an oval or round, haven't found it yet.

John