Hokkaido Elm "strong" variety

[Bretts]

Hi Guy's
Thought you might be interested in this Hokkaido Elm I just repotted into a bonsai pot for the first time. I purchased the tree from Ray Nesci last year. I specifically asked him for one of these sports "strong" that he developed. Normal Hokkaido Elm's are pretty weak and are very brittle. This one is stronger in growth and not as brittle. Although I did crack a few branches when I wired it a little last year.
This tree was fresh from the ground when I purchased it. Ray went out the back to grab me a specimen as there where none left in the sale area. This meant I got what I was given and didn't have any choice. Not that I am complaining considering what he chose for me From memory I paid either $45 or $55 which I think is a bargain either way
This meant last year was basically a recover period for the tree and under instruction from Ray I just left it in the nursery pot.
I had plans of a shallow pot straight of the mark so needed some decent roots. I was happily surprised to find exceptional roots for an elm. I could have trimmed it and plonked it straight into the shallow pot but spent some time soughting them for the future. The front roots where not as good as my chosen back but I guess we can't have it all and they should develop well in time.

elm 001.jpg

Some times I look at this tree and see almost exactly where I want to go with a wide spreading grove type tree and other times I wonder what I was thinking So I figured I would get it into the type of pot I envisage to 'See" the tree better.
I can pull the Main centre trunk to the left and forward more but it will take the careful use of guy wires as well as a few other branches that I want to come down. I have always just made it up as I go along with guy wires. Recently I searched the Internet for a tutorial on guy wires but found nothing. I also don't remember anything about it in any of my books.
I would welcome any advice or source of information on guy wires if anyone can help

[Bretts]

Just did another search and wola The first is more about branch to branch I think but the second link seems to be exactly what I was looking for

http://bonsaitonight.com/2011/07/12/kor ... mmer-work/
http://www.bssf.org/articles-and-storie ... -branches/

[Pup]

G, day Brett, were this my tree! I would air layer, the first and second branch, on the right of the tree as viewed in your picture.
There you have one tree with very good taper and branch placement, with a nice looking root flare.

You then have two more, to start to develop. As I said, were this my tree which it is not.

Cheers Pup

Edit for guy wires well placed stainless steel screws and wire turnbuckle, twists with a nail

[Andrew E]

Got to agree with pup, the two trunks to the right don't seem to compliment the nice movement of the left one. Layering of these would be easy and quick. You could still create that large park like tree from whats left. I bought one of these off Ray too some 12+ years ago. It still lives amongst my trees. Great trees to work on, love the tiny leaves.
Andrew

[Bretts]

Thanks Pup n Andrew,
Yes I can see that great little single trunk tree and it has been tempting to go for that when I see the conflict you speak of but I reckon I can solve this and for me it will be even more interesting. We will see. I can always go for the smaller tree later if I don't get want I envisage

I was not keen to screw into the wood of this tree Pup. I reckon the wood will be a little soft to hold the screw well enough.

Anyway to torture you more here is an update.

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I couldn't find anything to remove at first but that changed once I got going It is now nice and open for the sun to get in and will make the main wiring much easier. Nothing I removed would not grow back in a year or two so lets see how we go

[Pup]

I hope you popped all of the cuttings under a coke bottle for more trees. With honey!!

Brett I have used screws on soft wood tree's because you turn slowly slowly. I have used it on figs liquidambar and elm and maples

[Bretts]

I have taken one top cutting and one root cutting so far but I used liqued hormone on the top cutting. I might try one with honey now
My new guy wire system is working well at the moment

[Bretts]

Work done for the day, This is pretty close to where I was thinking and I think it is less conflicting but some issues still to sought with branch selection and I might go a little lower in the future. Although this is the strong variety you still have to be very careful not to break branches I cracked at least two this time but that was an improvement on last time. The big worry is when you forget which branch cracked and you come back for a second go later But I pretty much avoided that this time. Guy wires are definitely the way to go with this species.

hok.jpg

hok2.jpg

hok3.jpg

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hok5.jpg

[Pup]

Mark the branch/branches with some tape,or wire, also once per week a couple of turns.

That is looking better, I would still have layered them

[Webos]

I'm with Pup. I like the idea of a single trunk with good taper.

[jarryd]

hey brett think the tree looks great, really natural feel.

[Bretts]

Started to think I might get no one to agree with me Glad you like Jarryd.

My favourite thing about it at the moment is the fun I will have playing with all those lines. Also it seems we are one of the few countries able to grow the seiju and hokkaido. Everyone else complains about twig die back once the tree is more refined. Haven't had a refined one yet so this form gives me alot to experiment with as well.
I considered I would not mind reducing the tree at a later date if I don't really like what I end up with as I am sure to have some nice cuttings to take by then.
So I think it safe to say it would be hard to talk me out of it for now

Oh Andrew I forgot to say feel free to post yours here it would be great to see. The seiju at the NBPCA does not seem to suffer any die back! I know some in general (Australia) have had the problem with other elms?

What do others say about this?

[Bretts]

I took the wire and guy wires of this some time ago. It was time for a good weeding and I put some guy wires back on. Expecting a bit of bounce back so will look at refining the lines next year. It was slow to get going but seems to be picking up speed

elm h 001.jpg

elm h 002.jpg

[Craig]

Brett , Beautiful tree mate ,it has a great feel about it.If it were my tree i'd leave it the way it is, imo do not turn it into a single trunk tree what ever you do . This tree i'd love to own, great effort Brett




p.s-oh a from the last 2 pics you,ve posted today ,i must say ,you grow great weeds,very healthy

[Bretts]

I knew someone had to mention the weeds Although these two where a little overdue for a weeding it has been only the last couple of weeks that they have really gone berserk. Still plenty more work like this on my bench

Glad ya like it Craig, I do too it is quite different to my other trees and I am looking forward to seeing where this one goes.