M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
I think you would be best served by just cutting it off about 3 inches above the soil level.
The ugly elm challenge.
- Thread starter bilbocannon
- Start date
Zach Smith
Omono
Chinese elms do not put on taper by themselves, you have to induce it. This takes time, of course, but ultimately pays off. For this tree, I'd cut to the lowest branch. A cut like this would most likely induce new vegetative shoots near the chop that are stronger than the existing branch, so there would be more than one choice for continuing the trunk development work.
bilbocannon
Shohin
I did an air layer half way between the soil line and the 1st branch. Once that roots i will do another air layer just about the 1st branch and work my way up and hopefully have 4 or so elms to play around with from it.
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
Or take cuttings.
bilbocannon
Shohin
Most definately
bilbocannon
Shohin
So a quick little update. As i like to experiment decided to do more air layers...6 in total. A few members here have said that you can only do one at a time.
However I came across a few posts on other forums of people claiming to do more than one at a time. I saw an instance of a guy claiming to have done 15 air layers on one tree at one time
So why not give it a go.
It is winter here so i have this in my grow tent under 900w led.
However I came across a few posts on other forums of people claiming to do more than one at a time. I saw an instance of a guy claiming to have done 15 air layers on one tree at one time
So why not give it a go.
It is winter here so i have this in my grow tent under 900w led.
bilbocannon
Shohin
From what i understand a treee requires lots of foilage if doing multiple air layers. Mine does not at the moment as you can see. I am very curious as to what the result will be.
bilbocannon
Shohin
Spring is roughly 6 weeks away so thatshow long i will keep it in the grow tent.
Giga
Masterpiece
This - I have an an american elm and I cut it down to nothing each year and it grows like it's going out of style and it building wonderful taper and gnarly-ness
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
It's the best way to go. I've only layered one elm ever. Ground layer this spring to take care of vole damage. Other than that one I just cut 'em off low to the ground and grow them out.
Timbo
Chumono
Is that one root the base or is it in the pot? All the elm's I've seen including the ones i have have a nice base to it.
bilbocannon
Shohin
Im not exactly sure what you mean? The base is pretty boring on this one.
Timbo
Chumono
Normally Elms have a decent flare at the bottom. I just thought maybe it was below the soil line.
bilbocannon
Shohin
It very well could be. I havent actually checked.
