general Chinese elm question

[linlaoboo]

Hi, I'm starting to thinking about the starter elms I've got growing in the ground and a couple pots. Not sure exactly what kind, will take pics later.

How much time am I looking at investing to grow them from pencil thick to a 3 inch nebari?
Since their natural ramification is so good should I just leave all the growing un-prunned for fastest growth? Or clip the branches that extend sideways and promote the tree to grow taller, will that make the nebari fatten up quicker? Also do you recommend organic ferts and fert the heck out of them? I don't like orgs cuz they draw flies and don't smell good.

 

[cmeg1]

I like these links for ground growing.It is leading the way for me.Ground growing,and developing informal upright trunks.I am going to use it on my Coreana Hornbeams.Each link has multiple pages.


http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATfieldgrowing.htm
http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATdevelopingtrunksforbonsai.htm

 

[linlaoboo]

thank you they r very helpful. nice bed, r those yellow pots or colander s?