These are a follow up to the previous post . Keen to get things done around here i decided to ask for some help  which is a rare occurrence  at my place .These are a unknown species of  Golden Elm , i hope to be able to correctly identify them through the  Forum Members of Ausbonsai.com I have  removed them from the training boxes/bags and re-potted them into training pots .A little root pruning won’t hurt these trunks the root mass was well established . Finding pots big enough was a bigger challenge , however i managed to rob Peter to pot Paul . With the re-potting done i defoliated each trunk so i could see where to go with the first initial styling . I trimmed each individual trunk and the next day applied the wire and shape the trainers into differing styles .To give you an idea as to the size of these trunks the cream drum pot is 210mm x 70mm The dead wood is much larger than expected so some major carving will be done during the next defoliation or at Winter time .Up to 80 % of some of the trunks will be carved out and sculptured . These trunks weren’t treated with any wood preservers or hardeners and no rot is present .Some Elms have a high rate of decay after the are carved .I still don’t have a positive identification on the species here .I did attempt to split some of the dead wood with a tomahawk , alas it was a tad bit too hard and would have only damaged the root bases . As far as trainers go these are progressing well and nothing is set in concrete when it comes to the final style .

Cheers Alpineart