2021 Five Year native tree challenge; CreekChalks Cedar Elm ( Ulmus crassifolia)

[CreekChalk]

This tree was airlayered from June-Sept 2020.

I’m new to Bonsai, not sure where this tree will end up but I’m excited to learn along the way. Feel free to make suggestions or critiques.

 

[Darth Masiah]

nice movement

 

[CreekChalk]

Buds everywhere! It seems to be much healthier than I thought.

 

[CreekChalk]

New growth going crazy! Should I be doing any pruning to branches growing in clumps or any wiring to set the initial branch structure? Do I just let it grow?

 

[Zach Smith]

Wait to wire branches until they're a little farther along, maybe 12-18" in length and hardening off. It's too soon now, judging by the photos.

 

[CreekChalk]

Should I snip the clumps back to one branch each? Pics added above

 

[Zach Smith]

I'd leave a couple at each point; it's nice to have a spare. Cedar elms are tough as nails, so you shouldn't have any issues once your root system gets established. This is best gauged by foliar growth. For a layered specimen, when you wire be careful not to move the trunk too much, to avoid damage to the tender new roots.

 

[CreekChalk]

Alright, thanks for the advice! I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do, this will be the first tree that is mine from start to “finish”.

 

[Zach Smith]

Alright, thanks for the advice! I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do, this will be the first tree that is mine from start to “finish”.

Good luck. I've "finished" off quite a few bonsai in my time, so I try to go with the term showable

 

[CreekChalk]

Good luck. I've "finished" off quite a few bonsai in my time, so I try to go with the term showable

Lol good point! Although I don’t know if I’m ready to produce a “showable” tree yet. I still have a lot to learn.

 

[CreekChalk]

Update with pics tmrw

 

[LittleDingus]

Update with pics tmrw

Um...thanks for the warning

 

[CreekChalk]

Um...thanks for the warning

More of a reminder to myself to do it.

It was pruned 3x this past yr by a pet goat. Hopefully won’t have any more problems like that.

 

[PA_Penjing]

Love the personality in that trunk. damn

 

[CreekChalk]

Update with pics tmrw