Catlin elm root over rock restyle "naturalistic"

[davetree]

This is my catlin elm. It was originally styled traditionally with horizontal branches. I don't have a before pic on my phone but the branches got very thick and looked bad. So I decided to restyle the tree in a more natural looking way if possible. I cut off the top of the tree and most of the branches, just keeping a few nubs. I bent those nubs upward and this is it so far. I kept the odd branch on top just because it is different. It can easily be removed and a new leader grown. The roots are nice for an elm, I keep them covered with moss all summer. Opinions ? Thanks.

 

[DesertPanda]

Very nice root structure and movement on the trunk…I really like this style and enjoy it when it looks as natural as this one does. I would use the bottom branch as a balance to the rock itself and allow the apex to get some ramification. If you let it grow out, I would also repot.

 

[PaulH]

I like where you're going with this as far as letting the branches grow in a natural elm style. I don't, however, agree about the top. The sooner you cut off the weird branch the better.

 

[DesertPanda]

I like where you're going with this as far as letting the branches grow in a natural elm style. I don't, however, agree about the top. The sooner you cut off the weird branch the better.

I can see where you are coming from on that...

 

[Poink88]

I don't, however, agree about the top. The sooner you cut off the weird branch the better.

I agree. It will never look right as far as I can tell.

 

[JudyB]

I'm not buying that oddball branch either. Otherwise, nice start, roots are looking good.

 

[davetree]

Well I was going to grow it into a top. I could carve out the side and bend it up, or cut it straight off and grow a conventional leader. I am going to style it late winter and ask you what you think then. If it still looks bad I will cut it. Probably will end up cutting.

 

[davetree]

I have a few different varieties of elm. Catlin seems to be impervious to disease and bugs. Even Japanese beetles wouldn't eat it ! No black spot either. All my other elms turn yellow or gold in the fall but this turns purple and yellow. I have a couple of very flat pots to choose from eventually.

 

[Ross]

Catlin seems to be impervious to disease and bugs.

Nice little tree. My Catlin elm gets scale insects almost every year, but when I keep an eye out for it they are easy to pick off.

 

[nathanbs]

looks like a very fun project that will only continue getting better

 

[monza]

It looks gnarly I like it. I don't know if that truck is bendable but if that weird little branch bends over to the left it might make a nice apex and give the trunk more movement?? IHNIWITA
(i have no idea what I'm talking about)

 

[davetree]

That's exactly what I am going to try to do next spring. If it looks like crap when I am done I will cut.

 

[fore]

Dave, how do you keep a zone 7 plant alive in MN?

 

[edprocoat]

Dave, how do you keep a zone 7 plant alive in MN?

Ancient Chinese secret !

ed

 

[Smoke]

(~~eerie music~~)~~Don't cut the branch!~~~out like a ghost in the night~~

 

[davetree]

I just felt a cold chill in the room. Was that a voice from the spirit world ? Why would you keep the branch ?

 

[sean f]

I like the weird branch, gives it a little more character. Nice tree

 

[AaronThomas]

Nice tree Dave!
Started a root over rock myself last year... Just wondering how slowly (or fast) did you expose the roots?

 

[davetree]

I purchased this tree with the roots attached to the rock. All I have done is grow the tree. I would recommend using spaghnum or moss of some kind to cover the roots during the hottest part of the summer. They can dry out and die pretty easily.

 

[AaronThomas]

Ok thanks for the reply!