Jacqueline Hillier Elm.

[ghues]

Hi Folks,
Here is a post of a successful air layer on this JH Elm….still not a pretty tree but I think it’s better than it was? It’s been with me for at least 8 years and all I did was re-pot it a year or two after I got it (bonsai garage sale)…I used clip and grow mostly but did cut off a large straight trunk in 2012, didnt like the base with all the roots…and the straight trunk, no butt flare etc so I decided to air layer it last year.
These things are hard to tame as it always sends off shoots from its buried roots or trunk and it takes continuous trimming during the summer to keep its shape.
First few photos back in 2011/12. Second to last air layer(s) in progress. Last photo shows it after I cut it off the main trunk - buried it in a grow bed for the remainder of fall and winter.
,...contd on next post
Cheers
Graham

 

[ghues]

Here are some photos showing the root egress and after the re-pot. Sorry but I didn't get a photo of it trimmed before I put it back on the bench.
Cheers Graham

 

[JudyB]

but I think it’s better than it was?

Graham, you can take that question mark off your sentence. By about 100% for sure. Nice job.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Looks much better. I was hoping that you would show the surface roots.

 

[ghues]

Looks much better. I was hoping that you would show the surface roots.

Thanks Judy and Thumbless? The surface roots can be seen in this photo and I've covered them with some fines from shredded sphagnum moss/perlite/pumice before I added a coating of pure pumice in hopes that the tree will continue to put out more surface roots.
G

 

[lordy]

It appears as though you had a good plan and matching execution. Looks to be a shining success. Good job!

 

[ghues]

It appears as though you had a good plan and matching execution. Looks to be a shining success. Good job!

Many thanks Lordy, 2013 was the first successful year of air-layering for me so I'm stoked that it worked...especially considering our somewhat shortened season up here on the 50th. These elms are fun as the two long branches on the one photo easily became rooted cuttings and I also split the root ball into 4 pieces that will hopefully send off some new growth later this spring as each section had healthy and active roots.
Cheers Graham

 

[ghues]

2016 Update,
Almost lost this one during the 2015 summer heatwave (and the fact that we had a busy summer moving three times in 4months)....it lost many main branches and has back budded somewhat....with a small diameter trunk I may have to reduce its height, see what root work needs doing and redesign it.

 

[sorce]

reduce its height,

I'd take both those layers!



And make something a bit less broccoli than I drew, but within there....

That's powerful...

Love the bark!

Sorce

 

[ghues]

Thanks Sorce,
Have considered additional air laying as they take so easily to it....maybe next spring.
G.

 

[Wilson]

Hey Graham, how is this little project going? Maybe it's not as exciting for you compared to all your yamadori, but it can become a beauty little tree!