Elm: finding a trunk line.

[GavinG]

I posted this tree a year or so ago as a problem tree, but I can't find the thread - here goes anyway.

I don't like this tree as is - it just looks clunky. The "negative spaces" under the first four branches are very rectangular - the roots and these branches are all dead level and square. The trunk just wanders around for no good reason, and the top third is just ugly.

P1000674.jpg

I thought maybe if I shortened the roots, there'd be less "squareness". Tested out through the magic of virtual black plastic -

P1000676.jpg

Then maybe lose one of the strongly horizontal branches -

P1000677.jpg

If I lean the trunk to the left, and rotate it clockwise (left side backwards) the trunk starts to look three dimensional -

P1000679.jpg

The low left branch is now pointing backwards, but I'll have to regrow the top anyway - plenty of time to sort the low branches as well.

P1000682.jpg

It's not good, but it's better, and it has a core to it now. It's been planted deep in a black pot, to get roots growing from some largish root cuts. Coupla more years....

Gavin

[bodhidharma]

Not often you display your work Mr G but a good job to be sure. On the nearly top left hand side could you knob cut the lump out and develop the lower branch. Then select a leader and (deathly silence, sshhh) do a bit of WIRING.

[Boics]

Looks better to me.
Good traditional evaluation techniques too!

[GavinG]

Don't hold your breath Bodhi, you may turn an undignified shade of blue. Thanks for the comments gentlemen.

Gavin

[Brian]

Hmm, good specimen but the roots could do with some attention.