drew33998
Masterpiece
Personally I wouldn't have used that leader. You already don't have much taper in that leader compared to the first section. Unless it will be a light and airy type tree and less muscular
Keep or Toss?
- Thread starter j evans
- Start date
j evans
Omono
What would you have done?
That leader is only going to be about 2 inches long after a year more of growth. I think that by that time it will have increased in taper and character.
drew33998
Masterpiece
It's pretty much the same size as the trunk section below it. One year of growth and it will be the same size and relatively straight from whatnot can see it the photos. Not that deciduous trees have to have huge changes in direction especially elms. I would have chopped it flush on the lower section and made a multi trunk tree or use a branch off it if you had to have a single trunk. But you know what they say about opinions.
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VAFisher
Masterpiece
I like your and Mellow's plan with this tree. Things will look much different when you chop the leader and start the third section.
And I like your knife too. I have an Old Timer hunting knife that my Dad got me when I was a kid. From when they were still made in the USA. I carry this Uncle Henry around quite a bit but it's Chinese made unfortunately.
Potawatomi13
Imperial Masterpiece
j evans
Omono
Ok well here is the tree this spring. I assume that I am full steam ahead for the next chop. I am a bit disappointed in the amount of healing over the first chop. Any suggestions, opinions or onward with the plan?
defra
Masterpiece
at least on top of the wound some callus formed at this rate a year or 5-7 and it will be closed and whats 5 year in bonsai 
making another cut will slow down the healing of this wound
how tall do you want the tree to be eventually?
making another cut will slow down the healing of this wound
how tall do you want the tree to be eventually?
j evans
Omono
I was thinking about 15 - 18". "Five years" what is it? Depends how old you are, but it does fly by.
defra
Masterpiece
Yeah true, im only 30 so hope i still got plenty of years to go but didn't think about the fact that 5 years for older people might be a different thing.
What i actualy ment is you will be building the primary branches and structure so when the time come's when refinement starts the wound also Will be (nearly) closed
Its a possibility to let it grow and place some thread grafts next year to get branches where you want or prune it back hard to get some buds opened lower on the trunk
j evans
Omono
Well here is the tree and the wound today. Getting anxious to make the next chop. Again a bit disappointed in the progress of last year. Got any opinions on whether to chop or hold off longer? John do you have any words of wisdom?
Daniel son STL
Shohin
Sucks the wound didn’t heal up as much as you wanted, but if you wait to long on the next chop the top will thicken more and probably loose the taper you were after by making the first chop. I say chop it!
j evans
Omono
I missed the timing by a bit but being an elm I thought it would be alright. Trimmed up the roots a bit, put back in a flat and then........ chopped it. Stay at home was getting to me. This was about 1 1/2 weeks ago so no new buds as of yet.
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j evans
Omono
Three weeks since the big cut and one, only one new bud. Not exactly where I wanted it either.
That first branch is awfully straight too don't you think?
Back to waiting..........
That first branch is awfully straight too don't you think?
Back to waiting..........
Potawatomi13
Imperial Masterpiece
You chopped as exactly I envisioned
. First branch thin enough to bend(WAIT till after roots established please). One bud better than none
. Expect more shortly. However effort was not helped at all by root pruning and cutting off trunk at same time. Base presentation could be helped NEXT repot by tilting tree to right so big root is more buried also bringing up other roots at same time.
. First branch thin enough to bend(WAIT till after roots established please). One bud better than none. Expect more shortly. However effort was not helped at all by root pruning and cutting off trunk at same time. Base presentation could be helped NEXT repot by tilting tree to right so big root is more buried also bringing up other roots at same time.
j evans
Omono
Would it help to produce more buds if I trimmed the shoots on the first branch?
Saddler
Chumono
I would definitely give it some time for the buds to appear. I’ve had to Learn the hard way that root work and trunk chops the same year is a dangerous game. But elm...
0soyoung
Imperial Masterpiece
Budding depends upon nitrogen nutrition which comes from the roots.
Foliage produces the carbohydrates for making new tissue (e.g., roots) and auxin for stimulating root growth.
Pruning eliminates the major auxin source, the bud at the branch tip. Maybe it will result in more buds and more shoots, but in the meantime the tree is missing some foliage and the major auxin sources.
I think @Saddler has given you some good advice.
j evans
Omono
Here is the stump today. Yes more buds are popping. In looking at the new buds I am wondering on the last chop, where would be the ideal spot to have a new bud for the new leader going forward?
Opinions or facts?
Thanks for the help.
Opinions or facts?
Thanks for the help.
j evans
Omono
No comments? I don't know the preferred location for the new leader. Need some ideas. Thanks
I think I would start by tuning the tree around and finding where you imagine the front of the tree to be, then you choose your leader. Post several images of the tree as you turn it, and maybe someone more experienced than I will have a stroke of inspiration and offer advice.
