Big Zelkova

[Jeremy]

I purchased this large trunk 3 years ago and it's been slowly chugging along in a box. I finally got out and purchased a big training pot for it and got to have another look at the nebari. It has many flaws but there is potential, I really like the base! The large wounds will need to be addressed, probably with creative carving but that can all come later. For now I need to start growing branches and get some structure set. Fun times ahead.

 

[Ingvill]

Very nice matrial you got there, should be fun to work on and develop!

 

[Jeremy]

This tree was very late to bud out last season, about mid summer which was concerning. I almost had big problems with my soil, turns out the last batch of diatomite I purchased was quite soft and breaking down to mush. Previous batches have not broken down in 5 or so years. Once the buds did pop I let it run for the season and the growth was actually very good, now all the rest of my trees are in a pumice/zeolite/radiata pine bark mix. Time to repot this tree into the good stuff.

Before work, pretty good extensions. This tree is always last to lose its leaves in the winter and as you can see by my climate, the autumn colour display is far from spectacular...


Tree defoliated to see what we're looking at


The root spread, a little too thick for shohin


Wired, cut back and repotted. The large wounds will still require some creativity, they're not going to heal over anytime soon.

 

[Tom vinken]

Interesting project!