Field Grown Chinese Elm: ideas?

[timi99]

Hey guys,

Here is a field grown Chinese Elm that is approximately 45cm tall. I recently wired some of the branches, but am unsure of the overall future of the tree's design?

image.jpg

Does anyone have any neat ideas for this tree?

Thanks in advance,

Timothy

[GavinG]

Good base, maybe a bit early to set branches. The trunk is thick, and then disappears - consider growing a long thickish leader at the top, until it nearly matches what's underneath, then cut it short and grow and cut again, so the trunk tapers gradually. Big pot, lots of ferts. Takes longer, but a better result.

Gavin

[bodhidharma]

Everything Gavin said but i think you might end up with a very tall tree. Maybe consider shortening and selecting a new leader and wiring it up.

[Mojo Moyogi]

Hi Timothy, look I agree pretty much with what Gavin has said (also Bodhi), the trunk has an OK base and a decent amount of trunk weight and there is movement there, but the trunk itself is a the same diameter the whole way up. For this tree to reach it's potential and be something you would be happy with 5-10 years from now, taper is needed. If you have the drive and the patience to make a medium to long term commitment, it will be worth the effort. Taperless or reverse taper Chinese Elm "finished bonsai" are all too common in this country (as are those that swoon over them because they are big or old, I might add).

I don't want to sound critical, this is good material, in fact the Chinese Elm Air-layer bloke (RayM) could probably inspire you to get 2-3 good trees out of this one, I'm sure he will spot this thread and chime in .

Good luck and keep us informed on your progress.

Cheers,
Mojo

[Olivecrazy]

ive got a idea be right back

[Olivecrazy]

Here is what im thinking 2 trees 1 as a nice raft an the other as a broom ill start by layering of the top just above where the broom will start these 2 trees would develop quickly from there

[lackhand]

Here is what im thinking 2 trees 1 as a nice raft an the other as a broom ill start by layering of the top just above where the broom will start these 2 trees would develop quickly from there

I like this idea too. The short broom would look much more powerful and balanced, and I like raft style. Anytime I can get two trees from one I'm pretty happy. Good luck with the decision, and let us know what you pick. Thanks for sharing your nice stock with us.

[timi99]

Thank you all for your responses.

I like the ideas, however, I have some anxiety about making this tree into two trees.

I might let it grow out over next season and see how I feel after that.

I will post a follow-up when I have decided what to do?

Timothy

[Bougy Fan]

You should make a decision now - or at least by Spring. A year is a long time in bonsai. If you are unsure about layering get someone to help you. I do agree with shortening the tree and I would layer it to make at least 2 trees if not 3.

[Ray M]

Hi Timothy,
As mentioned the same diameter trunk is a problem. Don't be afraid to have a go at layering. If you want to do this I would certainly be willing to help.

I think Olivecrazy's idea is a good one.

The following photos shows where the layer would go and the angle of the cuts.

Chinese Elm-3.jpg

After the layer has taken and removed from the host tree you would remove the bark from under the tree, add hormone and plant.

Chinese Elm-2.jpg

Have a look at this post. viewtopic.php?f=104&t=5799&hilit=+unusual

Because the tree has its own root system after layering and you remove the bark, you should get a very good result.

Regards Ray

[Andrew Legg]

Timothy,

I'm gonna be blunt here. This is not ever going to be a good tree if you grow branches on the trunk as is. You need to make major changes. Personally, I think the suggestion from Olivecrazy is a good one, but, and I'm not saying it's better, just different, you may also have a think about splitting the trunk down it's length and then shortening one of the sides by a third this will help to create taper and interest, but it will transform the tree into one that is "old and beaten". The easy option is the one suggested by OC. Take the plunge into a major redesign now and you will not regret it. If you don't, you'll end up with one of two outcomes. First a long term poor tree, and second doing the redesign in 3 or 4 or 5 years time and that will have been wasted time.