Chinese Elms, Repotting and Trunk Chop

[JohnFranklin - Zone 7b]

Can a Chinese Elm tolerate a repot and trunk chop at the same time? I am guessing they are as hardy as an Amur Maple????

 

[rollwithak]

Probably yes depending on overall health of tree. Can we see it by chance?

I have a Chinese elm in my back yard so I get to play with them a lot. There’s times I’ve TRIED to kill some of my projects and they always seem to bounce back.

 

[JohnFranklin - Zone 7b]

Here is a picture of the referenced Chinese Elms.

 

[rollwithak]

Here is a picture of the referenced Chinese Elms.

For future reference, would be better to cut in early winter when the tree is all the way to sleep. Not sure how much winter you have left in zone 7, but it’s almost spring here in 9. I think you can still prune and be safe. That being said:

I would chop now, and then wait to repot and work on roots until after the buds/leaves are starting to open. You should be safe on these youngins

 

[BrianBay9]

I've done chops and repots at the same time on Chinese elms. Doesn't seem to bother them.

 

[rollwithak]

I've done chops and repots at the same time on Chinese elms. Doesn't seem to bother them.

Yep more than likely he’s fine. I was just trying to institute best practice

 

[JohnFranklin - Zone 7b]

For future reference, would be better to cut in early winter when the tree is all the way to sleep. Not sure how much winter you have left in zone 7, but it’s almost spring here in 9. I think you can still prune and be safe. That being said:

I would chop now, and then wait to repot and work on roots until after the buds/leaves are starting to open. You should be safe on these youngins

I'll try that. I'll chop the Elms tomorrow and I will be doing the Maples Monday or Tuesday. Historically the Elms are a week to two weeks behind the Maples in terms of swelling buds. The Maples are presenting a little green at the swelling buds right now. Here in Maryland the winter hasn't been really cold and it's been warmer than normal to some degree.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Generally broadleaf deciduous trees can tolerate a repot and pruning all on the same day. Pruning can span the range from mild to the "drastic trunk chop". A weak tree will not respond well, even if the species is one that normally responds well. For example elms and maples respond well.

With conifers it is normal to separate repotting from all other work by a growing season.