AusBonsai

I airlayered the top of the first tree as I want to change the apex and compact the tree. The result is a 15cm tree. One year old, but great potential as a shohin.

Looks bigger than 15cm! Will be a good looking mini

For me I woud shorten the top of the layer. The 2 top section are too similar in size.
Cut 1/2 way up the lower one and there is you tree when you build the apex again

Ken

I agree with Ken - assuming the 2nd pic is the layer? Top section is way too long and little movement so look for a place to cut - looks like it would make a good shorter tree anyway? but if you do want it this high grow the leader over several years with plenty of grow and chop to make good taper and movement.

I agree with all the advice. The tree is only 15cm tall. In fact a bit shorter now. The layer is the second tree. The first tree is a stock elm which still has many years of branch development. The first pic was taken in 2012, so it already looks vastly different. New branches and better branch development. I have just not taken any new photos.

The layer is less than a year old. I just wanted the roots to settle over the past few months. I have only now potted it. Normally I would keep it in a training pot for another year of two. A great little handmade pot, so I could not resist. I am comfortable with the base of the tree. It should help for good Nebari. The top I want to leave to grow freely for the next two years, or as long as it takes for the second 1/3 to develop in proportion to the first third. I will then shorten and grow a new apex. I just worked with what I had. The layer was made last season. It is thus less than a year old.

Thanks for the input.