Chinese Elm - Ramification

[Watto]

I actually took this photo today because of the mushroom, but when I compared it to the older photos of this tree I was pleasantly surprised at how the ramification was coming along. Ramification is something that takes time (and some judicious cutting) but this proves to me that continuing to work on your trees over a reasonable period does bring results.
The bonsai is a bit wet, but beggars can't be choosers in situations like this.

[hugh grant]

Looks good mate! you can see the effort you have put into that ramifiaction!

[Watto]

Thanks Hugh. I forgot to put in the photo from 2012, so here it is.

[Daluke]

Thumbs up.

[Naimul]

wow thats actually quite interesting to see how you managed to fill out that bottom right section of the canopy over time, youve given me some inspiration for my own elm.

[MOGGINATOR]

that tree is really coming along well done can you post a close up of the bottom of the tree and the moss would love a closer look love chinese elm's

[Jarad]

Nice job! Elms have really been grabbing my attention lately.

Would planting it in a grow pot reduce the time it would take for the ramification?

[fredman]

WoW that is impressive work in a relatively short time. Well done.

[kez]

Nice job! Elms have really been grabbing my attention lately.

Would planting it in a grow pot reduce the time it would take for the ramification?

No Jarad,

A grow pot would normally do the opposite, ramification is achieved through controlling the growth to keep the growth fine and the internodes short, a bonsai pot will help to do this. Typically a grow pot/box would be used to aid in the development of trunk size and primary branching.

[Grant Bowie]

The trick is now to maintain as many, healthy tips,as you can. The canopy is so dense now that branches and tips that don't extend all the way to the exterior will weaken and die. This is a good thing by the way.

By removing weak buds, weak branch-lets and weak branches you maintain the healthy, vigorous buds, branch-lets and branches that then produce even more ramification.

This tree is also a good example of (probably) multiple/ bar branches being an integral and necessary part of the growing and design of the tree.

Good job Watto,

Grant

[bodhidharma]

This tree is also a good example of (probably) multiple/ bar branches being an integral and necessary part of the growing and design of the tree.

100% Grant, when i heard that a long time ago (in my tender beginning years) and i was talking to a good Bonsai exponent, i commented on his bar branches and the reply was " I dont worry about that in the upper canopy of the tree" It is necessary for good ramification. I have never worried about it since. A good tree Watto, and getting better all the time.

[Watto]

Thank you for your comments. This bonsai started life as a root cutting a few years ago and it is pleasing that they develop so well.

[Sammy D]

Very nice little tree.

[Bonsaiforest]

Magnificent.... This is now the goal that I've set for my Zelkova... Will copy photo and save as inspiration...great work