eBay elm... Ehh

[Zac chandanais]

First off HELLO ALL! I haven't posted in a while but I have been lurking lol.
So I got this Chinese elm off eBay for $25. It obviously wasn't the one in the picture (which I expected) but one thing I didn't expect was for the branching to be so carelessly constructed. I want to just chop the whole thing to be honest and start over. They have no taper and have just been grown thick and chopped short. There are also 2 pairs of handle bars. I know those need to be fixed but as far as the rest of the tree. What do you guys think I should do?!
As always, thanks in advance.

Zac

 

[JudyB]

These grow so fast, why put up with a structure you don't like? I'd cut it back VERY hard (like take off a lot of upper branches) and see if you can get a dormant bud low to pop. Then you can see what you can chop it back to, and start yourself a nice little broom. I have a couple cute little C. elm brooms that I got the same way.

 

[M. Frary]

If it were mine I would whack it down to where I wanted it now. It will sprout profusely. No need for restraint.

 

[Zac chandanais]

I thinks that what I'll do. Just have to stare at it and find out where I want the chop to be. Appreciate you both!

 

[Zac chandanais]

I think I'm going to get away from the "S" trunk all together and take your advice Judy.

 

[Eric Group]

When you decide where you want the chop to be. Layer it off, and you will get a nice little broom AND an decent informal upright out of it potentially.

 

[Zac chandanais]

Is it too late to start a layer right now? Or do I still have time?

 

[Cypress187]

I chopped my 'S'-Elm in half.

 

[Paradox]

If it were mine, this is probably what I would do: airlayer the part above the red line on the "S" and chop the smaller branch where indicated.

Maybe even airlayer the trunk at the lower curve.

 

[Zac chandanais]

Looks like I have some thinking to do. Thanks!

 

[JudyB]

Really, air layering a tree that does not have that much promise it not really worth the time and effort. Just my 2centavos. Take cuttings if you must...

 

[JoeR]

Really, air layering a tree that does not have that much promise it not really worth the time and effort. Just my 2centavos. Take cuttings if you must...

Normally I am for airlayering but I bet you could get anything you chopped off this to root.

 

[Zac chandanais]

A lot of good points made here. I value all your opinions and appreciate the input. I will provide and update when I decide what I'm going to do. Thanks !!!

Zac

 

[Zac chandanais]

Well...I did it. It looks rather sad right now but since I chopped it (1 week) it has put out quite a few new buds. Looking forward to seeing what happens with it. Thanks for the advice everyone.

Zac

 

[M. Frary]

See. That didn't hurt that much did it?

 

[Zac chandanais]

Not all I'm glad I did it. I like it better already lol
Thanks Mike
Zac

P.s my "yamadori" elm search has yet to produce positive results. I think they may have seen what I've done to this one and ran away...

 

[M. Frary]

Sometimes you got sneak up on them.