AusBonsai

Hi all,

Just thought I would post a few pics of a corky bark elm I had purchased from Ray Nesci about 2 years ago. After heading in the wrong direction with this tree for 12 months I made the call to air layer the top half and hopefully make 2 reasonable trees with what was ultimately turning out an ugly tall tree.

Still plenty of work to do but I think I am on the right path. What are your thoughts?

Cheers

Squizz

Nice result

I love the bottom half and the growth it has, but the top half is still too tall I reckon.
I would be chopping it above the first branch and wire that one up as the new leader.

Ken

kcpoole wrote: I love the bottom half and the growth it has, but the top half is still too tall I reckon.

That was definitely the best decision and i agree with Ken on the top layer. Way to tall.

I agree with Ken about the top half - but I think the bottom half could do with a chop later on about where the wire is when some new shoots appear. The base looks good but it seems to lose taper after that.

Tony

hi guys,

totally agree the layer was tops.

as for the top half I wouldnt be ready to cut down so quickly. leaving it that height for now will help allow it to thicken to the bottom section of the original trees thickness.

unless you are happy with the removed layers thickness. there is a lot of cutting material here too. so do be to quick to chop hack and throw

Hi All,

Thanks for the comments.

I think the plan with the top half is to go with a windswept look by growing on the first branch as the leader but not wiring it upwards. The existing leader will stay for now to help thicken aswell as help develope the new root system which is quite young. When I cut off the top half I only had 5 primary roots as a result of the layer. This half will be left for a year or so without to much done to it.

The bottom half also has plenty of growing to do given th thickest branch at this stage is probably only 3mm. So if one of these are to become the new leader it will need to catch up by 20mm or so to form a new trunkline. I think this an example of showing how you really have to go well backwards sometimes to produce a better quality tree. I am now probably 3 or 4 seasons of developing branches but I am much happier with the tree.

Cheers

Squizz

Hi Squizz,
The following could be a way to go with the top of the tree. When the excess tree is removed you will get a lot of new vigour. This will give you lots of branches to choose from.
Regards Ray

I like it mackray but I am keen to get a few different styles going in my collection. I have a lot of informal uprights which I like but I do need some other styles.

Speaking of informal uprights though, here is the bottom half on its way to becoming a better tree.

Cheers

Squizz

Just an update on the progression of the top half of this corky bark.

I have taken to it with a set of cutters and begun trainning it into a windswept style.

Any critiques are welcome.

Cheers

Squizz

Nice Squizz, that works for me

Ken

Double thumbs up from me too

deepeetee wrote:Double thumbs up from me too

X2 Great job!

2 sweet looking trees. Well done.

Hi squizz, Great results! thanks for sharing! I have a couple lanky trees that will receive the same treatment soon.

Lucas