Itty Bitty Elm - Where now?

[Brian Underwood]

Here is an elm I chopped last year. As you can see, it is only about 3" tall now, and has grown lots of new branches. I quickly styled/wired it this spring to sell, but I like it too much I guess. It has been growing secondary branches all summer and is almost hard to keep up with.
Anywho, my question is simple; where now? The branching doesn't seem quite ideal, the "front" needs adjusting, and the apex looks funky. I will most likely take it to my next workshop with Jim, but I would like all your suggestions as well. Thanks! -=Brian=-

 

[Brian Underwood]

more pics...

 

[irene_b]

Considering the size of the trunk the branches need to be allowed to grow out to thicken them. Apex can be worked after lower branches are near finished.
Irene

 

[Zach Smith]

Here is an elm I chopped last year. As you can see, it is only about 3" tall now, and has grown lots of new branches. I quickly styled/wired it this spring to sell, but I like it too much I guess. It has been growing secondary branches all summer and is almost hard to keep up with.
Anywho, my question is simple; where now? The branching doesn't seem quite ideal, the "front" needs adjusting, and the apex looks funky. I will most likely take it to my next workshop with Jim, but I would like all your suggestions as well. Thanks! -=Brian=-

Brian, I think all you need is one simple thing: time. Give the little guy time, and you'll be more and more pleased. I would let the apex grow stronger to thicken the transition between chop and new leader, but this can be done even in a bonsai pot with this particular tree. Couple years should do the trick.

Zach

 

[catfish chapstick]

i love the tree. i don't love the pot.

 

[Brian Underwood]

Agreed. It was a $2 Chinese deal and will be replaced with a handmade Jim Barrett next year if it is still alive...

 

[tyler2010]

What type of elm is that?

 

[Brian Underwood]

Dunno, I think its Seiju. Unfortunately its not growing how I want, it looks pretty sad with very few leaves. It may have been attacked by slugs/snails or something to that effect.

 

[BoneSci]

Nice little elm!

Chris

 

[stacy allen muse]

In your very first pic, I would bend the apex over to the right. It will give the tree a little more movement, as well as it will distract one's eye from the scar on the back. Nice tree, watch your watering, when they are that small, they dry so quick. Also, one of the other probs. is they become root bound so fast. What I have done before is get a trey of coarse sand, and set the pot on it, let the roots the roots that grow out the bottom grow into the sand. Rather than always cutting, you can every once in while cut, which makes a happier much stronger tree. We all agree though... drop the pot. perhaps oval???

 

[sorce]

I love that pot for this tree. Color is great match.

Where now?

Sorce