Free Craigslist Zelkova

[Joelshack2362]

Got this for free off Craigslist. Was told this was a Zelkova so if anyone with more experience can ID this as one that would be appreciated. I will let it recover for this year and then hopefully cut it back to the lower portion. The idea would hopefully create a nice broomstick bonsai. Not the best time for digging up and moving around but it was free so if it does die not biggie.

 

[Joelshack2362]

I like this front because of the way the tree leans towards the viewer.

 

[jeremy_norbury]

Not zelkova serrata - I think it's just an Elm.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Thanks for the help on the identification.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Possible front next to a water bottle for comparison.

 

[Joelshack2362]

New growth coming in after repot and relocation.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

That's not a zelkova, but a free tree is a free tree!

A quick way to tell the difference - the serrated edge on elm leaves tend to be jagged/pointy. The serrated edge on zelkova leaves tend to be rounded/bumpy.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Thanks for that information I see the difference that you are mentioning. Definitely a smooth bark type of elm? I couldnt let it pass being free.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Summer update photo. Got some great new growth. Think this one survived the late spring repot and move.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Today I did a cut back down to the height of the main trunk. I see a couple different main views but I think some show the movement of the trunk better. Will try to make this into a broom style.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Got this repotted today into some good draining bonsai soil. I reduced the tap roots and large roots today as well. I like the nebari on the right side of the main view. The tree does lean towards the viewer here as well. Fingers crossed it recovers this year.

 

[Joelshack2362]

First bud coming out, hopefully a good sign this survived the repot and the chop.

 

[Srt8madness]

Looks great! I did the same to an elm I had in a nursery pot this year. It's got two branches leafed out, planning to let it grow this season then chop to the lower branch next Spring.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Looks great! I did the same to an elm I had in a nursery pot this year. It's got two branches leafed out, planning to let it grow this season then chop to the lower branch next Spring.

That sounds like a good plan. I might have to keep that as a backup plan. I was looking for more buds to pop-up closer to the original chop but so far nothing.

 

[nuttiest]

I was looking for more buds to pop-up closer to the original chop but so far nothing.

Sometimes they come out inside the cambium layer ring at the top. If that happens and there are 15 little branches reduce soon to 3 or so stems with a razor blade or something because they are difficult later if you let them grow.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Sometimes they come out inside the cambium layer ring at the top. If that happens and there are 15 little branches reduce soon to 3 or so stems with a razor blade or something because they are difficult later if you let them grow.

Thanks for that information

 

[Joelshack2362]

Recovering well after the repot.

 

[Joelshack2362]

Letting the leader grow out to. Have trimmed back some stronger growth on the lower limbs.