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bonsaiTALK Journeyman
Join Date: Dec-2003
Location: Little Rock, AR
Country: USA
Posts: 42
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I Think It's An Elm With A 4 Inch Diameter Trunk
Hi,
This tree is in my yard. Here are the statistics:
1. 4 inch trunk at he ground. 3 inch trunk just above the ground.
2. Images will show various photos from the above ground root system to 2 feet above the ground and above. The 2 foot mark is where you see the knot kind of to the right.
3. I have also uploaded an image of a branch I cut off higher up on the tree. Can you identify this genus and species?
4. The tree grows through the fence just after the two foot mark.
5. The photos may not show this, but the tree has a slight movement form left to right as it proceeds upward from the ground.
Questions:
1. Where and how should I chop this tree? Should I chop it a 6 inches ... 1 foot? Where?
2. I was thinking of perhaps creating a broom, formal upright, or informal upright. I would prefer to create a broom style tree.
3. I don't know if the trunk will backbud or grow where I want it to ... the top for a broom style for example. Advice?
4. I have never air layered so I am not comfortable with that option. I have trunk chopped a few 0.5 to 1 inch trunks this spring and they have not even broken any buds at the top in order to allow me to perhaps create a broom. They have all budded on the sides and I chopped them at about 6 inches above the ground. I don't know what to do with them. I guess create small formal and/or informal uprights.
5. I have never done the "V" chop just the angular chop. Would a "V" chop work with this tree?
6. What should I do once I chop the tree? It grows through the fence, but if I chop it at less than 3 feet it will be before the tree proceeds through the fence. I was thinking about chopping at 6 inches to a foot. I am not sure given the trunk diameter. Any suggestons?
7. I can say that the tree is healthy. It has much growth at the top and I believe this is an elm. If you could identify this tree I would be very appreciative.
8. Shold I chop the tree then dig it out of the ground? If and when I dig the tree out of the ground what should I do with the roots? If I don't dig the tree out of the ground when I chop it when should I dig the tree out of the ground? Some of the roots are above the ground seem to be as big as the trunk and some grow below the concrete formation that holds the fence in place. I'm not sure how much root system I will get, but I feel like I should dig the tree up when I trunk chop it. What do you suggest? Also at what angle and how do you reduce the root system to fit in a big basin or grow box? Will the root system matter that much if I trunk chop to a foot or so? The photos don't show this but it is at least 8 feet high and I have been cutting it back so I could mow for the last 5 years. It always grows back somewhere after I trim branches, etc. The trunk is probably 4 to 5 feet in height.
9. Does one have a greater opportunity to establish a broom style when "V" chopping? I don't know if I should angular cut the trunk or perpendicular chop the trunk or "V" chop the trunk. Can you help?
10. I have a hand saw ... not a bonsai type saw. Should I cut with an angle from from (images front) to back so the scar does not show? I assume a pruning saw will work for this operation? Right or wrong?
I started this bonsai journey about 6 months ago and I have 10 to 15 trunks/seedlings, etc in pots growing and truelly enjoy the act of patience that bonsai requires.
I look forward to your responses. I do hope you take the time to assist me given my inexperience and motivation.
Assist please. Can you at least identify the genus and species of this tree?
The first image is of a branch from the top of the tree.
The second image is of the root/nebari system.
The third image is of the tree as it proceeds up from the ground.
The fourth image is of the tree more completely.
Thanks again.
V.
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