Chinese elm help!

[Zac chandanais]

Hey everyone!
I got this Chinese Elm as a Christmas gift from my wonderful mom. I know it was tough for her to pay what she did for a seemingly worthless (to her) tree. It is my first elm and I like it. No I am relatively new to bonsai still but I know this thing has a few “issues” structurally. The first of which is the generic “S” shape trunk. I know most of you will suggest an air layer/chop... cough Sorce LOL... I have thought about it but don’t have the heart to show this tree to my mother like that hahaha! The second issue/issues is the branch structure. There are three branches coming from the same point to make up the lower pad. Then there is no branches in the mid section and the top branches are rather thick for there position in my opinion and one of them crosses the trunk. I’m hoping someone has a semi-conservative approach to this tree and is willing to share some knowledge. Thank you!

 

[Paradox]

Anyone know how well these air layer?

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

Concentrate on keeping it healthy this year, observe it's growth, keep it in one piece and make your mama happy.

 

[leatherback]

so.. Aiming to use most of what you were given and never put it in a state that would put your mom in a shock is the aim?
I would hope for branches on the trunk after a good top-trim, fertilizer and perhaps a new set of socks and shoes. Consider a little tilt to the left. But, if that does not work, I would consider a secondary trunk in there, and using all branches available, maybe thinning and organizing the twigs.

Mind you, this is probably not the optimal route for this tree, but within the restrictions you have given us, probably will give you a decent tree. It also allows for an airlayer in a few years once your mom realizes you do know what you are doing with this, taking the now main trunk off completely for a new tree, and using th rest as a tree.

I do not find the shape of the main trunk too big of an issue. It is not the over the top s-shape that commercial china trees have.

 

[Shibui]

Where there are 3 branches for the lowest area you can remove 1 or 2. The remaining branch will develop faster and better without sharing resources and with the extra space. First to go should be the one that grows toward the front. That branch si currently really low. I would consider wiring it a little upward but not to the extent of @leatherback second trunk. Just enough to reduce some of the empty space

Top: I have 2 options:
1. Cut above the pair of branches then wire the right one upward to become the new apex. That solves the problem of that branch crossing the trunk and brings the new apex toward the front.
2. If you really want to retain the current top remove the left branch below which currently crosses the trunk. There are some smaller branches just below which will not develop well while that branch is above them but should start to grow if it is removed.

I agree that this trunk is much better than the usual S shaped commercial efforts.

 

[leatherback]

That branch si currently really low. I would consider wiring it a little upward but not to the extent of @leatherback second trunk

My intent was to suggest: leave that branch, and grow a new branch as trunk in the space