Chinese elm - styling advice required

[Mithrandir]

Hello,

On Sunday after going to the bonsai nursery I was helping a relative report some of her large figs on the weekend and she decided to give me this Elm. She bought it a year ago and she never found enough inspiration for it so offered it to me for free.

I've been pondering what I should do with it and i'm pretty sure i've worked out which should be the front ("1" although rotated slightly). given the slight tapering/curve it has due to the lower branch.

My concern is moreso with the top -- there is a lot going on i'm trying to work out if it needs to be chopped. If so, i'd rather do it in a few weeks just as spring is starting, rather than too late in the season. If the trunk does need a chop, i'd be thinking it would be at the height of that thick branch at the top, clearing away the other 'knotted' mess.

Also, she wasn't sure where/how that bark got removed however we're hopeful it will grow back over time

Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[just.wing.it]

Repotting large figs can work up a hard earned thirst, mate....and a hard earned thirst deserves a Victoria Bitter!

Sorry I cant help myself...

I'd wait until your springtime comes around and chop it at the first branch.
Then build a smaller tree from it, reason being that your trunk is too straight and long without any taper.

 

[Mithrandir]

Repotting large figs can work up a hard earned thirst, mate....and a hard earned thirst deserves a Victoria Bitter!

Sorry I cant help myself...

I'd wait until your springtime comes around and chop it at the first branch.
Then build a smaller tree from it, reason being that your trunk is too straight and long without any taper.

So cut it just above or below?

 

[Anthony]

In late spring, perhaps a month of fertiliser, say 1/ 2 strength
for once a week, into moist soil, and see if the tree responds.

If not check your soil.

If it responds with great growth, then think about a chop.
Seen here - AUSBONSAI

Also think about a DESIGN.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[just.wing.it]

So cut it just above or below?

Above, and the first branch becomes youe new leader.
Just one guy's opinion....

 

[Mithrandir]

Above, and the first branch becomes youe new leader.
Just one guy's opinion....

Is it a problem it's quite thick? I'll definitely keep it but I guess if a get a new/better leader I'll keep that

Cool, I'll consider above the first branch similar to the white line. Will just need to make sure the knot/scar is to the side so your not looking front on to it. Would wound paste help seal it and preserve some of the appearance?