Building a twin trunk cork bark elm

[Tommykeolle]

So this is the result of a failed air layer last year. I attempted to air layer this very close to the ground in order to eliminate a straight section of the trunk. I took the top off too early and it died. $20 bucks down the drain, or so I thought. It started pushing sprouts and 2 made it. So I wrapped it with some padding and a hose clamp, a technique I've seen on here.

This is (hopefully) for a progress thread. I've been creeping around on here long enough so I guess I'll start sharing. All I did today was pull the clamp, removed some dead/rotting bark and put some paste on it. Then reinstalled the clamp and padding.

QUESTION! should I allow it to continue to grow as is or, should I begin to wire some type of movement into the trunks now, before they're fused? I think my goal may be a twin trunk in the form of a very close V.

 

[Paulpash]

So this is the result of a failed air layer last year. I attempted to air layer this very close to the ground in order to eliminate a straight section of the trunk. I took the top off too early and it died. $20 bucks down the drain, or so I thought. It started pushing sprouts and 2 made it. So I wrapped it with some padding and a hose clamp, a technique I've seen on here.

This is (hopefully) for a progress thread. I've been creeping around on here long enough so I guess I'll start sharing. All I did today was pull the clamp, removed some dead/rotting bark and put some paste on it. Then reinstalled the clamp and padding.

QUESTION! should I allow it to continue to grow as is or, should I begin to wire some type of movement into the trunks now, before they're fused? I think my goal may be a twin trunk in the form of a very close V.

Do you have a yard to grow it in? I've got exactly the same project going but mine's chilling in the garden.

 

[Tommykeolle]

Under my grass is sand sand and more sand. I wish I had a raised bed to put it in.

 

[Tommykeolle]

Just an update.