can anyone identify what is going on here and why (ELM)

[cpt]

I've been watching this strange growth pattern of an elm at the manufacturing plant where I work. I have never seen a growth pattern like this on this small of a tree, I have seen similar growth on large elms. i'm not sure what its called or if that's the same thing happening to this little sappling. any ideas?

also should this post go into the ELM category or general discussion?

 

[Don Blackmond]

Its really difficult to tell anything due to the poor photos, but it appears that it was hit with a chemical spray that stunted growth. It could have been a horticultural spray, but it may have been a chemical use by the manufacturing plant for business purposes. In any case, it looks like a reaction to chemicals.

 

[cpt]

Its really difficult to tell anything due to the poor photos, but it appears that it was hit with a chemical spray that stunted growth. It could have been a horticultural spray, but it may have been a chemical use by the manufacturing plant for business purposes. In any case, it looks like a reaction to chemicals.

ok they only thing it may have been sprayed with would be weed killer, im debating weather I want to collect it and see what it does. since its producing many new shoots at all preexisting branch points it could have a pretty interesting result as it matures. any idea on what this particular condition would be called or classified under, or just stunted growth and an abundance of regeneration in the new spring season?

 

[GrimLore]

No idea what it is classified as, but curious what type of Elm that is. Also before collecting take a magnifying glass and carefully inspect close to the branches where there is new growth for insects, in particular of the beetle variety.

Grimmy

 

[cpt]

a little better pic quality, there's a new healthy one next to the one of interest, if it were chemical I would think they would both be effected, hard to say.

most common elm in my area Siberian elm

any other thoughts?

 

[GrimLore]

If there is no powdery film on it I would suspect a Elm Leaf Beetle army is working it over. I would treat a few branches and see if they respond. Really difficult to call this one.

Grimmy

 

[Poink88]

Probably and insect infestation and the tree is stressed but fighting.

Would be cool if it is not but look at the clusters at each node where the growth are. Investigate and see if you can find small critters inside.

Just a guess.

 

[cpt]

Probably and insect infestation and the tree is stressed but fighting.

Would be cool if it is not but look at the clusters at each node where the growth are. Investigate and see if you can find small critters inside.

Just a guess.

I don't see any signs of insects so far.

so hypothetically speaking say this tree has a strange stunted morph thing happening to it, how would one go about styling a deciduous tree that's starting to develop similar structural shape to a conifer, this assumptions is being very broad to the circumstance.

 

[Don Blackmond]

I still say chemical. and that is why some is not affected. its not permanent or all growth would be affected, and its not. hence temporary, and likely airborne cause, such as chemical. the easy way to tell is to cut off all new growth and let it regenerate.

 

[lordy]

I would suggest, since you dont know what is going on, that you hit it with water from a hose at high enough pressure to get rid of any creatures, but not hard enough to hurt the foliage. Then sit back and let it grow out. Might surprise you.

 

[johng]

I have seen elms under powerlines that have been hit with an herbicide do something very similar. I suspect Don is on the money...as usual!
John

 

[cpt]

so that little elm was attached to a 3 inch diameter root from and existing tree. overall an interesting root system with the exception of the large round root coming out of it. potted last night so i'll give it some time and see what it does

 

[Cmanz]

It looks like it's forming witch's broom to me. You may have your own dwarf elm cultivar.

 

[bougie nights]

It looks like it's forming witch's broom to me. You may have your own dwarf elm cultivar.

Came here to say this. Witches broom tends to hit plants in the Ulmaceae. Hackberries get it too.

 

[cpt]

so where would I find more reference examples of witches broom on elm bonsai? I've been looking, maybe not in the right places