Will windswept suit this Chinese Elm?

[Kiani]

This is a $23 Chinese elm bought off Amazon when I first got in to bonsai, before I discovered local bonsai nurseries.

The tree doesn't look that good right now IMO, and I've always loved the windswept style so I'm curious if you think it would suit this particular tree. If not, what style would be more appropriate?

Any tips on creating the windswept look is appreciated. I did a little mock in photoshop I've what I had in mind with the branches on the left removed, or re-angled to face the right side, and the tree slightly re-angled .

 

[Redwood Ryan]

It's a good idea, but I feel as if the trunk doesn't fit that style. Something about the S shape just doesn't say windswept to me.

 

[Kiani]

I know what you mean. I just don't see that this tree has any direction in regards to styling. I would like to give it a style and let it mature in to it.

 

[Speedy]

If you airlayer the top half you'd have two trees that you can work with and not have the "S" curve anymore.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I'd get it healthy before doing anything, however.

 

[evmibo]

I agree this may need a healthy season before any major work is done. I think you should go semi-cascade. In my opinion that wire scar is too much to handle. I've provided a sketch below. Please tilt your head ~20° to your left so that the transition of the lower trunk to the remaining trunk/branch after the chop is smoother. I think a half dozen seasons down the road it could be a cool semi-cascade shohin. I also provided a picture from a website that gave me the thought




http://www.cheshirebonsaisociety.org.uk/styles.html

 

[Kiani]

I agree this may need a healthy season before any major work is done. I think you should go semi-cascade. In my opinion that wire scar is too much to handle. I've provided a sketch below. Please tilt your head ~20° to your left so that the transition of the lower trunk to the remaining trunk/branch after the chop is smoother. I think a half dozen seasons down the road it could be a cool semi-cascade shohin. I also provided a picture from a website that gave me the thought

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http://www.cheshirebonsaisociety.org.uk/styles.html

Thanks for the idea. I contemplated the same chop, but was not sure if the tree would be able to handle it. If I know for sure it can take such a heavy reduction I would consider this.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Thanks for the idea. I contemplated the same chop, but was not sure if the tree would be able to handle it. If I know for sure it can take such a heavy reduction I would consider this.

It could, but only when it's healthy and growing.

 

[evmibo]

It could, but only when it's healthy and growing.

yes, as stated above I would baby it this season, feed + water it well and a lot of sun

 

[mat]

I'll add my vote that a healthy Chinese Elm would be fine after a chop like that. Also, I don't think there's much to gain by air layering the top of the current plant.

 

[Kiani]

So after a little inspection of the branches, I found out that none of the branches need to be removed in order go to create a windswept style, as they are all pretty flexible. So I wired 3 branches to face towards the opposite side and it made a big difference. I think it's slowly showing more potential to become a nice windswept bonsai one day. Now that the branches are all facing in the same direction, I'm just gonna let her grow.

The second image is just an artistic one I did for fun. Showing the kind of look I'm aiming for.

Thoughts are welcome

 

[daygan]

I say if you like it, do it. And I don't think it's really such a bad style

 

[Kiani]

I say if you like it, do it. And I don't think it's really such a bad style

Thanks Daygan