Help a newbie Chinese elm

[Saratoga]

Hello all.
I am a newbie and just discovered and got hooked to this hobby .
I have a simple question regarding a chinese elm I just acquired.
The trunk seems “rotten” and I suspect there is a big problem.
I am attaching some pics to see if you all can help me identify the problem and help me learn.
I would appreciate it much…..

 

[Jstax8400]

New to the bonsai game... Was looking for advice on how to style this Alberta Spruce!!! Thanks

 

[Shibui]

The trunk seems “rotten” and I suspect there is a big problem.

Hard to really tell just from a couple of pictures but the damage looks more like something has been eating the bark - mice, squirrel, etc and often at night when you don't see or maybe something dropped on the tree and damaged the bark in those spots. All the damage appears to be on the outside of the roots which may be a clue. Have you seen any fresh looking marks on the bark or only these old ones? Are there any areas of bark that are soft and squishy?
Where you are may also provide valuable clues to what is going on so it really helps us if you add a location to your profile so it shows up every time you post.

Provided the bark on either side of those spots is still firm the tree will probably survive. It should even close over the damaged areas as the tree grows. Wound sealer over the cuts can often help to close quicker.

You mention you are new so that damage may have happened before you even owned the tree. Sometimes physical bark damage does not show up for months until the outer layers fall off and expose the underlying dead spots.

@Jstax8400 You should start a new thread for your tree

 

[Saratoga]

Thank you for the response.
I live in zone 10a tropical.
I bought the bonsai 2 weeks ago and arrived already potted and roots looking like that.
I also think current soil used is holding on moisture more than needed.
Trunk/roots not squishy but looks like outer layer/bark softer as I can peel it very easily with tweezers and inner thicker wood solid.
I suspect those roots were planted below surface soil level and got repoted prior to shipping.
After watering, they seem to stay “wet” longer than I would expect.
My plan is to:
Avoid too much moisture in the soil and repot early spring on a soil that retains less water……