how to style/shape this tree (Chinese elm)
- Thread starter diegazo
- Start date
Forsoothe!
Imperial Masterpiece
Look around for pictures of what you like and post them here. Any 3 types of Elm designs. Growing seasons around the world vary widely and it is difficult to get a perspective on what someone says when we don't know where in the world they are. If you go to the upper right hand corner and click on your Icon, you can add your location and people will be able to customize advice for you, and you might connect with another local.
<<<<< It will show here.
<<<<< It will show here.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
The current trunk angle suggests leaning or windswept style but it is very easy to replant at a different angle if the branches don't look right for those styles.
It is almost impossible to give good recommendations on branch placement when we can't even see where the branches are or where they come from. If you can get some better shots of the branches you may be able to get some suggestions, otherwise it will have to be up to you.
I think I can see some wire on one branch. Assuming you have not just put that wire on You should probably remove it as it looks very tight now and will make nasty marks on the bark if left too long.
Definitely add a location to your profile. I guess you are in Northern hemisphere because the tree has green leaves but how far north or south may dictate any care advice for the trees.
It is almost impossible to give good recommendations on branch placement when we can't even see where the branches are or where they come from. If you can get some better shots of the branches you may be able to get some suggestions, otherwise it will have to be up to you.
I think I can see some wire on one branch. Assuming you have not just put that wire on You should probably remove it as it looks very tight now and will make nasty marks on the bark if left too long.
Definitely add a location to your profile. I guess you are in Northern hemisphere because the tree has green leaves but how far north or south may dictate any care advice for the trees.
diegazo
Seedling
Thanks i have updated my location in my profile, I was not aware of that. I'm in venice beach California, zone 9a
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
A think it is a tough tree to design with that long straight as an arrow trunk. I'd be inclined to layer the top off and grow a new bottom. Two plants from one that will both have more potential than what you have.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
diegazo
Seedling
Hi, thanks for your response, did you see the included video, that video shows all different angles, but you make a good point I will upload more photos.
diegazo
Seedling
This is a great idea, I'd have two. But I could also bend it by making some cuts or I could bring the growing branches down and go from there, no?
TimberLakers
Mame
Extremely difficult to bend deciduous trunks at this thickness.
They air-layer well and backbud like crazy - agree with penumbra. The bottom of your tree now has some interesting movement you could utilize.
You could wire up the top forever and still have way too much thin/straight trunk.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Just checked the video. Made me feel seasick but did not show much more detail of where branches start from and go to. There is also just the very briefest shot of your hand for scale. Easy for you to see how big the pot is, how thick the trunk and branches are but not so easy for us to judge here on a screen with nothing else to guess the size.
Chinese elm are more flexible than many other deciduous but it would certainly take some good wire and technique to make bends in a trunk thicker than a finger. Making good bends will be even harder.
@TimberLakers has already pointed out that Chinese elm respond really well to layering and trunk chops so ether could be used to reduce the height and shape of the trunk but will leave you without a bonsai for a couple of years until both bits grow again.
