Leggy Elm.... What to do

AaronThomas

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So I've had this tree now for about 4 years and I'm just stuck as to what to do. There are 5 lateral branches each with substantial distance between them which probably isnt so much of a problem but I'm having trouble having it look right. Unfortunately the main branch is smack dab in the middle of the trunk from where I want the front to be. There is an ugly cut at the top (I didn't do it) with a couple of smaller branches. I was planing on hopefully trying to do a thread graft to get some more branches towards the top... but that all depends if I can get some long shoots off of somewhere. Now I'm just wondering if I shot lop off the top a few inches down. Id lose 2 or 3 of the branches but maybe it would promote some new shoots from the trunk. Here are a few pics.
IMG_4294.JPG IMG_4295.JPG

Here is where I was thinking of making the cut... just above or below the second branch on the left. IMG_4296.JPG IMG_4297.JPG

Any ideas?
 

Vin

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If it were mine I would cut it down to just above those branches:

Elm 4.jpg

Then I would reposition those two roots (one is crossing under another one and the other one just needs to be pulled to the left a little):

Elm Roots.jpg

Finally I would repot it a little deeper:

Elm Repot.jpg

After all that it's time to sit back, have a beer and see what happens. If it were mine.

Also, it is in full leaf so your timing needs to be consistent with this type of work in your area. My elms are just starting to leaf so it would be fine to do drastic work now.
 

AaronThomas

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I would reposition those two roots
Great idea! Didnt think of that! Ill have to wait till next year... I did (believe it or not) do some substantial root pruning this year. The tree was neglected a bit last yearo_O
I also like the cut location. Think it would take that funny jog to the left out of play also...... Suppose I need to wait on that now till next year?
 

Alain

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Good job getting something green without spikes in Tucson Az. :)
I lived there for 2 years and the only thing I grew were sun burnt ;)

I like the potential of your elm. I think it could have a great nebari and some interesting trunk's diameter.:cool:
 

Vin

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Liking this photo I found....
Sorry but that's not a good example at all. Basically, It was chopped and three or four branches grew from that area. All but one of the branches should have been cut off long ago. All you have is a ring of branches where the chop was. Also, there is no visible nebari and the trunk is dead straight with very little taper. I would rather have yours any day over this one. Sorry.

Mat0705.jpg
 

sorce

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Yes Vin...

And.....yes!

I seen a dead goose foot look just like that tree!

I'm not against layering it an inch or so below the split too....

And eating that cake Mike is talking about.

That elm....the goose foot....
That's a good reminder of what to avoid!

Sorce
 
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AaronThomas

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I would rather have yours any day over this one.
Thats a start then!
Dont have to apologize to me for having an opinion! :) I'm still learning and appreciate your time!!! I think I was looking more at the overall shape... I totally see what you mean now though!
If I'm too late to cut it back now... when would be best?

I seen a dead goose foot look just like that tree!
Bhaahhahaha! Just peed a bit.

@Alain Thanks!
 

Vin

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Thats a start then!
Dont have to apologize to me for having an opinion! :) I'm still learning and appreciate your time!!! I think I was looking more at the overall shape... I totally see what you mean now though!
If I'm too late to cut it back now... when would be best?
You cut it hard as it's coming out of your dormant season. However, it is an elm and they're really tough and it's still early in the season. I've cut them pretty hard in the summer and they've still bounced back. If you have someone in your area you can check with, that would be ideal. Smoke works a lot with elms. Maybe he can offer his expertise? I'm sure if you PM him he'll help as long as you don't call him a Ding Dong or something. :)
 

Smoke

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I did receive a PM and I will give my honest assessment.

First I like the broom tree posted as a styling avenue. Thats a clue.

Next, Elms are really easy trees. So easy that to get a trunk to the point this one is would take me about two years tops. In that vein, I become a person that sees no reason to work on a piece of material that will require so much work to just make an average bonsai (mallsai), one has to determine if that is what they really want.

I am left with holes in the story like:
access to good or really great material
Wallet thickness
experience level
clubs nearby

If that criteria can be met in some ways then maybe working on something better is best. If none of these can be met, then obviously working on this tree has to be done. To improve it, I might not be so hasty in the chop route. I would box it up and clean up the bad chop in the center and let the branches grow for a couple seasons. I might use this time to wire some of the lowest branches and introduce movement and pull them down into interesting shapes while they grow. Elms are pretty bendy and they can be moved, they are not that large. Keep in mind bonsai is a marathon and not a sprint and this does not have to be styled in a week.

I think with just some wire and imagination (talent) this tree could be improved rather easily. You have to make the decision is just improving it enough? No one can do that for you.
 
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