What should I do to this Chinese elm? Air layer or trash?
- Thread starter ceriano
- Start date
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
What something is worth depends very much on what you already have, what you want and how much money and time you have available.
You can make something from almost anything if you are prepared to spend enough time and effort so in that sense layering a mass produced elm is worth while.
You can also purchase far better Chinese elms for not so much and have a better tree immediately.
FWIW the layer you have indicated appears to be far too close to the lower branches to be viable as bonsai. Not only are those branches almost opposite on the trunk but with the new roots in the soil the first branches would be at soil level.
Personally I would not bother. Too many better trees around to waste time and effort on that one.
You can make something from almost anything if you are prepared to spend enough time and effort so in that sense layering a mass produced elm is worth while.
You can also purchase far better Chinese elms for not so much and have a better tree immediately.
FWIW the layer you have indicated appears to be far too close to the lower branches to be viable as bonsai. Not only are those branches almost opposite on the trunk but with the new roots in the soil the first branches would be at soil level.
Personally I would not bother. Too many better trees around to waste time and effort on that one.
ceriano
Shohin
It was an online order and I got full refund. The trunk is damaged so I can either air layer higher or cut the branches and try to root those and toss the rest.
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rollwithak
Chumono
If you’re new to the hobby, use the tree to practice! Have fun with it.
19Mateo83
Masterpiece
Or offer it up here, I’m sure someone would love to have it.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Trunk damage does not always preclude bonsai. In many cases we intentionally create dead branches and parts of trunk to enhance our trees. Not so common with Chinese elm though because they have softer wood which does not last long when exposed to weather.
Damage to trunk will also heal over given time. I can see that the lower scar has already started to fill in with new wood. Chinese elm grow fast. Layer will probably take most of this summer. The lower scar could heal over completely in just a few years given good growth.
The opposite branches are still my major concern as far as bonsai style with the existing trunk whether layered or not.
A few years can make a huge difference to what a tree looks like. We try not to focus on what is there now but what could be there in a few years.
Given the tree is free you can do whatever takes your fancy. Good species to practice different things with no monetary risk.
Damage to trunk will also heal over given time. I can see that the lower scar has already started to fill in with new wood. Chinese elm grow fast. Layer will probably take most of this summer. The lower scar could heal over completely in just a few years given good growth.
The opposite branches are still my major concern as far as bonsai style with the existing trunk whether layered or not.
A few years can make a huge difference to what a tree looks like. We try not to focus on what is there now but what could be there in a few years.
Given the tree is free you can do whatever takes your fancy. Good species to practice different things with no monetary risk.
BrianBay9
Masterpiece
May I suggest you cut off the left branch, then lay the tree down on its left side to make a raft? It's got a decent, sinuous trunk line and could work for that.
WNC Bonsai
Masterpiece
If you have lemons make lemonade. If you decide not to bother to air layer it then you have material for several cuttings. These roots like crazy. I just take trimmings from mine and stick then in a small plastic pot of wet sphagnum, seal that in a big zip lock bag and place out of dirct sun. They usually root in about 2 months.
ceriano
Shohin
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
I don't think it really matters where you layer. After growing whatever you layer for a couple of years you won't recognise it anyway.
Mikecheck123
Omono
Omg! Chinese elms are never trash! Put it in the ground or a big pot somewhere if you're sick of it. Come back in a year and it'll be totally different.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
I'd do the top cut where the top black line is and the bottom cut just above the box. Keep in mind to make the top cut at the angle you want the base to meet the soil at. I'd make it more horizontal than your line.
The tree isn't trash, it's an opportunity to learn something
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
That's the most beautiful "damage" I've ever seen.
Big fan of layering....
Not this time!
Sorce
Big fan of layering....
Not this time!
Sorce
Bonsai Nut
Nuttier than your average Nut
I totally agree with @Mikecheck123 , particularly since you live in VA. I see Chinese elms regularly in landscape around here. Stick it in the ground, and let it grow, and even if you do decide to air-layer it, you will more likely be successful if the tree is growing strongly in the ground. Then you can let the rootball grow out, wire the young trunk, and in a few years you can air-layer yourself another tree. Repeat ad nauseum.
Many excellent bonsai were actually used for years as parent plants for cuttings and air-layers... and when they were eventually lifted from the ground were big chunky trees with tons of character.
ceriano
Shohin
I’d probably do that then. Should I chop off the top and let it grow as straight trunk or leave it for now?
PA_Penjing
Chumono
I totally agree with bonsai Nut agreeing with Mickecheck. That trunk movement is fine. I'd grow this out into a medium sized tree. You can change any single thing you don't like about this tree because it's an elm. Total creative freedom with these things, what it's all about if you ask me.... on the right day... when I'm not hyped on chill naturalistic trees....
rollwithak
Chumono
My thoughts exactly broThat's the most beautiful "damage" I've ever seen.
Big fan of layering....
Not this time!
Sorce
Wulfskaar
Omono
You can send it to me; I'd love to have that!
ceriano
Shohin
I went ahead planted it in the mulch bed. There was another 2” of trunk buried in the pot. It’s close to the house but I don’t think roots will be a problem since it will be removed in a few years anyways.
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palafr01
Mame
Certainly not trash and you made the right call by placing it in the ground. So long as it stays healthy, every time you go to work the roots take some root cuttings. Chinese elms are stupidly easy to propagate this way and you can get some interesting shapes for potential bonsai starters. This tree is literally an endless supply of material for you, and best of all every cutting will be genetically identical making them perfect for forest plantings.
