Chinese Elm - Ulmus parvifolia progression

[kcpoole]

I took an updated photo of this tree this weekend after trimming the new sprig growth , and thought it wouold be good to do a progression thread on it for its 10 year anniversary

the tree was grown from seed in 2003, the first photo was in 2004 growing in a large pot on the deck at home to thicken up and develop as quick as it could.
It has been repotted every second year.

The biggest mistake i made, was not applying movement in the lower trunk when a young whip, so in 2008 - 9 I tried to get some bending in the lower trunk by pushing a steel bar down ionto the soil and a wedge between that and the trunk. The top was then pulled across to the bar which gave a gentle curve to it, but also damaged the bark severely just below the first trunk chop.
unfortunately I do not have any pics of the bending jig I used.

The foliage now needs to fill out more and the lower branches need to be longer and ramified more. I have never achieved any back shoots along the lower trunk, apart from the really low one near the original sacrifice branch. That is why the trunk a little barer than would normally be the case. Once the foliage fills in I do not think it will be that much of an issue for the trees appearance.

Enjoy
Ken

[kcpoole]

The tree grew strongly and was bent a little in 2008 but have no pics of that.

Ken

[kcpoole]

I think it was 2011 when it was potted up into the PK drum pot.
The roots needed to be reduced substantially and took 2 root prunings aver a year to reduce them back enough to fit in the pot.

[kcpoole]

The last 2 years I have been trimming the new growth at the top of the tree activeley to develop ramification and the result from 2012 tru to now are obvious.

The lower branches will be treated the same now as i wanted to let it go as long as possible to increase its girth to match the upper branches. now that is accomplished i will develop the density of the foliage on that branch 2while keeping the top in check (hopefully)

The next few years should show lots more filling out to increase the foliage mass lower down and make the outline of the tree flow nicely

Ken

[Rory]

Nice progression Ken Lovely pot and a nice tree.

For me personally though, I don't like the bottom left branch, as I feel it is too low and gives the tree a sense of oddness. But that is just my opinion.

[kcpoole]

Nice progression Ken Lovely pot and a nice tree.

For me personally though, I don't like the bottom left branch, as I feel it is too low and gives the tree a sense of oddness. But that is just my opinion.

Thanks

Hah Funny that. I was reluctant to grow it at all and am still undecided
Every time i look at the tree i change my mind

Anyone else want to offer a suggestions as to remove it or not?

I really wanted it about 1/2 way between where it is and the lowest branch on the right. Might have to do a vert and if so then graft one in

Ken

[Neli]

Thank You! Very inspiring and a good reminder that all trees at one time were nothing but a stick in a pot...You have done a good job...

[Jason]

Very nice Ken Amazing what you can do with a few years, and grown from seed too!

Couldn't say whether to remvoe the branch or not though, without it, it'd it'd look a bit bare, but it doesn't feel right where it currently is.... could you graft a branch on just above it maybe?

[squizzy]

What about 2 trees ken. Layer the top off and create a new leader out of the bottom left branch. I done that with a corky bark a few years ago and was very happy with the outcome.

I know what your going to say though. "I like a tall feminine tree". Hahaha

Squizz

[Bougy Fan]

Well you know the rule Ken - first branch 1/3 the way up the trunk Ideally it would be higher as you said. The problem I see is the negative space it then creates on the right side. Perhaps if the LH branch was lifted up a bit higher and a back branch grown that could come around to the right to fill the space ?

[kcpoole]

What about 2 trees ken. Layer the top off and create a new leader out of the bottom left branch. I done that with a corky bark a few years ago and was very happy with the outcome.

I know what your going to say though. "I like a tall feminine tree". Hahaha

Squizz

LOL Squizz how true .

As you say I had thought about it but dismissed the idea for the reason you mention.

Bougy I think you may have a good idea, I will have to do a virt or 2 and see the options it presents.
its funny how in the flesh, a tree's faults will be less obvious, but when you post a phota write a story, they stand out easily

Ken

[mtarros]

Just move the branch up??

Graft a seedling to the bottom branch so it has it's own set of roots, once it takes cut the branch off and drill a tight hole and put the branch where you want it.

Then just remove the seedling once the branch takes.

[Watto]

Excellant progression mate, thanks. Don't touch the lower branch. That branch should inspire a few roots on that side and that in turn will give much improved balance to the composition. If you look at all bonsai that take your breath away the "standard" design rules are not applied.
If in four years time you don't like it you can then make that decision but currently it is very trendy to have a low branch on many exhibition quality bonsai.

[kcpoole]

Just move the branch up??

Graft a seedling to the bottom branch so it has it's own set of roots, once it takes cut the branch off and drill a tight hole and put the branch where you want it.

Then just remove the seedling once the branch takes.

The only problem with doing that, is most likely the new seedling will have different foliage characteristics to the original tree.
If you are going to graft on foliage then one should use a section of the original tree as a donor graft either by tread graft, or growing a cutting to use as a graft later on.

Thanks Watto for a differing opinion

I have created a few virts as well of some different options for everyone to ponder as well


Ken

[Boics]

My 2c on your virts.

From top to bottom..

1. A little odd, fraction 2d - but hey it makes you look twice.
2. More depth and pleasing image for mine.
3. Nice but very cookie cut.

From those pics I think #2 adds another dimension to the image.
Thanks for sharing this debate and tree Ken!

It's a good thread.