Thanks folks for your kind words.
I think this is a nice little clump also.... But not good. It's got a ways to go before it can be called good. Maybe another year, but then I say that every year about all my trees and then, a year later, they always seem to need at least another year.
Ken,
The leaves are a couple of inches long in the wild but, so far, on some trees, I've managed to reduce them to mostly under 1/2 inch. I haven't really had any in small pots long enough to really see how far they will reduce but I think 1/4 inch is doable.
Yes, here in Florida they do have fall color......Green
Though seriously, they do have a few leaves that get a nice yellow. If we ever have winter again the leaves may actually turn color and fall off on their own. I generally have to remove them myself for the winter/spring styling work.
Barry,
You know, I hadn't really noticed the left branch until you pointed it out. It is a bit large, but being the first branch, it needs a little size, so I'm not sure about it being out of proportion. It does need something though so I wired it to give it some movement. Maybe that will help. Time will tell and I can always remove it later.
As far as putting space between some of the trunks, can't do it. The base of this clump is fused together. (see pic)
Thanks for your thoughts.
Will,
I agree the center needs something. Actually, when I potted it I had let the clump rotate too far left and the seventh tree was hidden. I rotated it a few degrees to the right and I think it helped.
That limb on the main tree..... I looked at it for a while, considering you suggestion. I didn't like the artifical looking bend at the trunk and decided to just cut it off. I expect it to break some new buds at the old collar and maybe one of these will make a better branch.
Paul,
The first picture did only show six trunks but there is seven.
Yeah, I love florida elms. They are almost indestructable and easy to work with. You see results in a short time compared to some other trees.
I like your elm, got any pictures with it in leaf?
Graydon,
Thanks, I might bring one Thursday.....
Yeah, I finally broke down and bought some pots. I have yet to get a feel for pots and trees so I just got a few that looked good online. I got tired of posting trees only in boxes.
Well, everyone had good and needed suggestions so, after looking for awhile, I made some changes.
I rotated it slightly to the right and raised it slightly in the pot, wired some branches, cut off the first limb on the main tree and the first branch on the far right tree (I thought it was too big). I also trimmed it back some to help with the ramification and allow room for twigs to grow out with out getting too shaggy.
Here are the results. First pic is with the tree rotated. Second picture is how it looks at the moment.
Third is a look at the base and the last is the back.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and suggestions.
P.S. Sorry about the horse jaw thing....It seemed funny to me at the time.
The clump stands 10 inches above the pot rim.