Need some help on Elm

[Orion_metalhead]

I just highlighted some major removals. of course you would prune other stuff too.

 

[j evans]

Don't know if I'm liking the upper most segment after the chop. From the top of the rough portion up it just doesn't appear natural. Don't know if it is the texture of the bark the makes it feel that way, if it is too straight or what. Any opinions?

 

[achtungluchs]

I don’t like the top part either – I feel like a bit taper is missing. I’d cut that section more or less in the middle. Grow a new leader. Mature bark will come with time.
Have you already considered repotting it into a bonsai pot to slow down its growth a bit and start work primary on the ramification?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Maybe more like this…

 

[j evans]

Here is the tree today. I removed the "L" root, planted a bit lower in the pot, cut back the branches(don't know if I cut back far enough) and chopped the top last year. Here are the photos. Branch with yellow flagging I'm thinking of removing. Can I hear some comments on the updates? Thanks
Jamie

 

[Jrmcmich]

This is an interesting thread and a lot to learn from here. Wondering if you know what kind of elm this is? Looking through this thread just wondering if you need to cut back some of those thicker side branches since longer straight sections and this will allow taper? You’ve been at this a lot longer than I have so I’m more asking than telling since not 100% sure.

 

[Cosmos]

Here is the tree today. I removed the "L" root, planted a bit lower in the pot, cut back the branches(don't know if I cut back far enough) and chopped the top last year. Here are the photos. Branch with yellow flagging I'm thinking of removing. Can I hear some comments on the updates? Thanks
Jamie

Good job, now the fun part begins. Bark is looking great!