I just bought this chinese elm, and I think it needs some work but I don't know where to start. It has a 1.25" diameter trunk and is just under 8" tall. I don't know how old it is (question 1, I guess). As I have no yard, it will remain indoors this winter. Its starting to drop some leaves and simultaneously open new buds, which I have been told is normal for an indoor elm this time of year. (I live in Boston)
The first problem is that the small branches are growing every which way. I've pruned the worst offenders that were going straight up or crossing each other, but that's all I've done with the tree so far. How much more should I prune, and when?
The second, and larger, concern is that there are two main branches fighting to be the apex. This is most visible in the vertical shots. My gut says to remove one of them, but its a big step for a novice. The tree already has quite a few large scars that have yet to heal over, and this would add another very visible one. I can't even decide on the front, although I imagine it will be the side with the better root display (upper-left photo).
The last, and longest-term question is this: should I consider this tree to be at its relatively final size and shape as a small tree in the slanted style or start growing it back in the other direction to evenually be a much taller infomal upright? In the latter case, large pruning now will have plenty of time to heal over before the tree is "finished" and is less of a concern.
I've been studying this tree for hours, turning it this way and that, to no avail. All constructive comments/suggestions appreciated.
