Chinese Elm - dig up and major root trim

[the_shark]

Hi all, I have a group planting (9 trees) of Chinese Elms that is somewhat neglected. It has broken through the base of the pot and taken root in a rock bank (heavy clay soil). Foliage is over 1 metre across, and now my wife wants it moved



My question is: if I dig it out, should I reduce foliage beforehand? If so, would the trees cope with a major foliage removal? All trees are healthy, the largest trunk is about 4cm diameter, smaller ones are about 1-1.5cm.



Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks,
Christian

[shibui]

You are going to get a whole range of advice for this one from traditional 'digging while growing is sure to kill it' through to 'no problem'

I'm seeing more recent advice, particularly from QLD than root pruning Chinese elm is possible all year round. I still follow the traditional winter and spring repotting but would welcome the opportunity to put growing season root pruning to the test.

There will also be a range of advice about pruning back when root pruning. There is now enough consistent evidence that leaving plenty of top to feed new root growth is possible, maybe even desirable. Again, my ancient training was always to reduce the top to match the reduction in roots and that seems to work OK most of the time so I have not really properly explored whether one is better than the other so can't offer real help.

Australia is a big place with lots of different climate zones. A location in your profile would help to get better advice tailored to your climate because what is good in the south may not be best in tropical north or arid outback.

[the_shark]

Thanks for the tip re adding location to my profile - done!
I live in Wonga Park Victoria (eastern suburbs), close to the Yarra Valley.

I don't really have a choice re digging it up, it just becomes a matter of how much to trip top & bottom!

[shibui]

My feeling is that Chinese elm is resilient enough to cope with transplant whatever you do to it. Given you have no choice of timing I'd dig and remove most of the fresh new growth then

[Matt S]

Hi Christian,

I'll back Shibui's advice - I've dug Chinese Elms out of season and not had any issues. Removing most of the new growth will help and the tree will sort itself out by dropping leaves the roots can't support. Out of season digging means you'll need to give the tree extra care afterwards; keep in a sheltered area out of the wind and protect from the sun on hot days. Daily misting may not be necessary but it wouldn't hurt if you can. Chinese Elms are tough and once you get strong growth you can treat it like normal.

Good luck,
Matt.

[the_shark]

After a couple of hours of digging it is now out of the ground!
Large roots at the base have been removed and it's been moved into a new container to recover.
Will give it some time to recover then figure out some styling.

[MJL]

I love this thread, I think it's hilarious. Good to see at some point in time there was a desire to bend a trunk ... even the bending tool seems to have survived.

Great photos. You've probably got a happier wife; happier life too.

I reckon you're on a winner. Almost impossible to kill Chinese Elm and now you've got a nice clump to work with. Well Played.

[melbrackstone]

Agree with everything shibui said, but on top of that, I'd say you'll need to poison the roots left in the ground, or get them ground out, because they're going to keep shooting....

Good luck with your CE, they are pretty much unkillable, and this one has had a great start.