Advice Needed

sauvagii

Hi there,

New member here - I have just "inherited" the tree pictured below (hopefully, if the image upload works!) from a friend. It's badly in need of training/pruning etc.

Can anyone advise on what to do with this tree?

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sauvagii

OK, I tried to attach the image but for some reason it hasnt worked.

I created a gallery so the image is uploaded there

Anyone who can help all advice gratefully received!

TreeBay

Hi There.

For uploading first use the full editor which you can reach from the New Thread or Post Reply buttons. The Quick Editor at the botom of the page does not support this feature.

Second, don't PREVIEW your post after you select your attachment or the attachment path will disappear and you'll need to select it again. Instead, if you use the Preview feature, preview first.

Third, images in the Forum here need to be under about 60K and less than 600 or so pixels wide.

I know that's a lot to digest, but it becomes rather easy. Sorry I had to pull the bonsai from the Gallery, but it was an incomplete photo without a pot. Feel free to repost here. Or test things out first in the forum area designated for test "AREA 51"

Regards,

Matt

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sauvagii

Ok, heres the tree, with pot!

Hope someone can suggest just what to do with this! I dont know where to start with it! lol

thanks!

Attached Images

bonsai2.jpg (54.5 KB, 91 views)

FredL

Sauvagii, first, let me qualify my comments. I have only 2 years of recent experience and am working to get my trees ready for initial styling. With that in mind, I will tell you what I think.

First, this is a very interesting tree and in experienced hands could probably become a pretty good tree in time. It is some sort of Elm, probably Chinese and is off to a decent start.

However, it is not much of a bonsai at this point. It is decent Bonsai MATERIAL, but, not yet a bonsai. In fact, I think it fair to say, it has been put into a bonsai pot prematurely.

Two things need attention. More will later, but these two first. They are, the roots and nebari as well as the top of the trunk where it has been cut off flat.

The base of the tree needs to be lower and the roots given a chance to develop more evenly and with out the cut off ends showing above the surface. I think this should be done in a growbox rather than in the present (very pretty) pot.

Second, a decision needs to be made as to whether you want an informal upright or broomstyle tree. Either should work for this tree, but I'd suggest yo take a look at some pictures, then decide. Either way, the flat top must be refined in a manner appropriate to the style selected.

I hope this is helpful. You may receive advice from others, but, I'll be surprized if it is not generally along these lines. You have received a nice tree from your friend but it is probably 3 or 4 years away from being a good quality Bonsai.

Best regards, Fred

sauvagii

Thanks for that advice FredL,

I'll see what i can do about transferring it to another box. I was also concerned about what to do with the trunk.

In the meantime, what should I do about the foliage? just let it grow out like a mad afro..?