American elm in the lilac.

[Eckhoffw]

Got it out today. Unfortunately all the feeder roots must of been at the end of the monster roots I chopped to extract it.
I spent to much time to throw it away. Looking for a miracle and potted it up in sphagnum moss.

 

[Shogun610]

Fingies crossed for you

 

[Eckhoffw]

Fingies crossed for you

Thanks. I’m not holding my breath.

 

[Eckhoffw]

American elm in the hydrangea.
I chopped this volunteer last summer thinking I might try and collect it.
I’ve changed my mind. Like the other, Roots are just too far away from the trunk.

 

[Eckhoffw]

The stump looks promising as of now. Buds and leaves starting to pop. I imagine this could be a result of the trunk using its reserves?
There was only one long root with some feeders, so I’m not celebrating yet.

 

[TrevorLarsen]

I think it is a sign it’s going to live. I have had trees with basically no roots left after digging, eventually pull through.

 

[Eckhoffw]

I think it is a sign it’s going to live. I have had trees with basically no roots left after digging, eventually pull through.

Well I hope so. Thanks for the assurance.

 

[Tieball]

That stump should grow just fine. I've pruned American Elms quite similarly. I bury/cover anything left that looks like a root. Tough trees.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Decided to put a layer on the big elm air layer.
Since it growing like an elm should, (very vigorously) I decided to layer off the big section to the right, and made a plan for the rest of the tree, to get it closer to a desired shape. Pink circle is the layer site. Blue and red lines are chop sites. Looking to get the foliage compacted again. I know most wouldn’t bother with this, but I’m liking the transformation process.
Might someday be a nice tree(s).

 

[Eckhoffw]

Decided to put a layer on the big elm air layer.
Since it growing like an elm should, (very vigorously) I decided to layer off the big section to the right, and made a plan for the rest of the tree, to get it closer to a desired shape. View attachment 491875View attachment 491880Pink circle is the layer site. Blue and red lines are chop sites. Looking to get the foliage compacted again. View attachment 491878View attachment 491879View attachment 491876View attachment 491877I know most wouldn’t bother with this, but I’m liking the transformation process.
Might someday be a nice tree(s).

3 weeks later and there are roots. Not enough yet, but on their way.

 

[Eckhoffw]

3 days later. Most all of the roots are in the underside of the moss ball. Makes me wonder if a small nursery-can -applied level- would be better.

 

[giventofly]

on my air layers i've been noticing that the roots start always on the bottom part when the branch is not vertical

 

[Eckhoffw]

Since I had time, and the roots looked sufficient. Even though the -up facing- side of the layer didn’t root out as hoped, I think this will do.

Next time I will use a nursery can attached level when layering angled branches Potted it up in Sphagnum and pumice in a Proven winners can to give it self confidence. I’m liking this side best to start.

 

[Arizona bonsai]

Did you trim it back closer to the roots?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Did you trim it back closer to the roots?

I didn’t actually. I initially wanted to slip a radial root disc below the roots but had forgotten how extremely brittle these elm roots are. They remind me of styrene noodles.
Last time a snapped a bunch trying to get the moss out of em.

I plan on planting this on a tile in the yard later this fall, and figured I’d cut the stem back close then. It’s being used as an anchor/taproot for now.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Original layer got cut back more.
As an elm should, this thing has pushed out lots of vigorous shoots after cutting back and the removal of the air layered right branch.
I’m hoping to get more shoots closer to the trunk on the long straight branches at right.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Layered elm in ground is starting to fill out nicely after responding to removing the layer off of it the layer off this one has rooted into the ground firmly, so I left it there for now.