Too late to trunk chop an elm?

[Pigskin Pete]

I found a suitable Chinese elm in a 5 gallon pot that stands about 6-7 ft tall and has a an estimated 3-4" trunk for $60. It looks to be in decent health. I would love to chop it.

I might buy it either way so the question is - buy now and baby til late winter, then chop? Or buy now and chop now. It's hot here but still "spring." It will be getting hotter within the next 30 days no doubt.

Jonesing for another deciduous bad...

 

[Cajunrider]

Chop away !

 

[It's Kev]

As long as your elm is healthy, it’s never too late
(But I am in zone 10) so take it with a pinch of salt maybe

 

[Shibui]

I don't think it matters what hardiness zone. Any time is good to chop an elm. Spring/Summer just means it will sprout all the quicker.

 

[Ininaatigoons]

I don't like to chop or prune after July just to give a chance to whatever sprouts to harden off. Chop now and repot spring.

 

[Kanorin]

Great time of year to chop!

 

[snowman04]

So what did you end up doing?

 

[Pigskin Pete]

So what did you end up doing?

I gave it the old chop chop and it responded vigorously.

As you can see, I mis-remembered the size of the pot.