Doomed Chinese Elm Branch

[rollwithak]

Hey All

I had a Chinese elm in the backyard that I was reluctantly avoiding to cut some branches that had starting to grow over my neighbors fence. Thought I’d try to salvage some of it.

Here are some pictures of when I removed the air layer over the weekend and how it finished up. Curious to hear what anyone thinks might be done with this. I was just going to try to let it get established this fall and then hopefully let it grow like crazy next spring. Fingers crossed.

RK

 

[leatherback]

Cool! That is a serious branch!

 

[rollwithak]

Cool! That is a serious branch!

Ha ha yeah I know, don’t even know what I have in mind yet. Just thought it would be fun

 

[rollwithak]

Cool! That is a serious branch!

So you think I’m wasting my time?

 

[sorce]

I don't think it's a waste of time. You may have wasted some time but them roots can be bettered.

Sorce

 

[Bonsai Nut]

The top of the trunk you cut perpendicular to the trunk (a flat cut). That will take a long time to heal, if ever. You are far better off cutting at a sharp angle (greater than 45 degrees) even though it initially makes the cut site larger. Make sure you face the cut towards the back of the tree. You can carve out the wound site to make it concave, and then seal it with a good waterproof sealer so the bark at the edge of the cut site doesn't dry out. If you are lucky, you will get buds to pop on the edge of the cut site, which will cause it to heal more rapidly.

 

[leatherback]

So you think I’m wasting my time?

Absolutely not!

 

[leatherback]

You are far better off cutting at a sharp angle (greater than 45 degrees) even though it initially makes the cut site larger.

Agreed. I would however recommend waiting for the tree to get settled in and grow for a few months?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Agreed. I would however recommend waiting for the tree to get settled in and grow for a few months?

I wouldn't. The sooner the better on major work like that. I can't see his cuts, but if they aren't sealed he might find his bark dies back pretty far down the stump.

 

[Mike Corazzi]

Too bad those shoots didn't happen here:

 

[leatherback]

here

approach graft next year. Or just let it grow strong and trim back. It is a chinese elm. These will backbud till there is no space left!

 

[rollwithak]

I wouldn't. The sooner the better on major work like that. I can't see his cuts, but if they aren't sealed he might find his bark dies back pretty far down the stump.

I did already seal that top cut and cover it with foil. In my limited knowledge of bonsai, common sense led me to think the same as @leatherback suggested, to just let it gain strength and grow stronger roots, see where it buds next spring and then go from there. Thanks for the advice, I will put that in my mind for future endeavors.

 

[rollwithak]

Too bad those shoots didn't happen here:

View attachment 335132

They still can

 

[rollwithak]

I don't think it's a waste of time. You may have wasted some time but them roots can be bettered.

Sorce

Limited experience led me to assume I should put the roots in the soil and let them strengthen up naturally before pruning and helping them in the right direction. Thoughts???

 

[M. Frary]

So you think I’m wasting my time?

Not at all.
It's going to be a good start.

 

[M. Frary]

approach graft next year. Or just let it grow strong and trim back. It is a chinese elm. These will backbud till there is no space left!

Exactly my thoughts.

 

[sorce]

Limited experience led me to assume I should put the roots in the soil and let them strengthen up naturally before pruning and helping them in the right direction. Thoughts???

That'll work, or you can always just relayer it the right way! With more room for the roots to run straight away.

Sorce

 

[rollwithak]

That'll work, or you can always just relayer it the right way! With more room for the roots to run straight away.

Sorce

The roots were honestly packed in there so tightly, I didn’t know how to handle them, so I didn’t in fear of hurting them.

 

[rollwithak]

If you are lucky, you will get buds to pop on the edge of the cut site

Where abouts would you think about making the cut? @Bonsai Nut @leatherback

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Any updated photos?