Chinese Elm Wire Marks??

JonERae

Hi,

I received my elm tree last week. When it arrived I was concerned about how it was placed in the pot and I didn't check it out as I should have.

Today I was cleaning it up and noticed 2 cuts in the trunk that were covered in soil. It looks like when wire was put on it for the curve it was left on too long and really cut in badly. I checked and the wire is not in it.

I know I have read that old wounds can be addressed but am at a loss. How should I clean it first? I have cut paste but I don't know if it is possible to make it better because the cuts are deep.

Any advice would be appreciated. This is my favorite bonsai sight and after reading the threads I know the expertise you all have. As you can tell I am new to bonsai, computers and digital cameras but I love it and am determined to learn it all, someday!!

Thanks,

JonERae

I will try to attach the pictures I took.

heres 1

Attached Images

resize of 2004-07-27 005.jpg (64.4 KB, 184 views)

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JonERae

heres 2

Attached Images

resize of 2004-07-27 006.jpg (64.6 KB, 182 views)

spoonman

can you post a pic of the whole tree, it seems like an interesting tree. as for advice you can leave it and it will heal over time, also you could try putting some electrical tape over it so it fills out and catches the surrounding area.

__________________
"Little laurel trees, your roots can find
No mountain, yet your leaves extend
Beyond your own world into mine
Perennial wands, unfolding in my thought
The budding evergreen of time."
-Kathleen Raine, The Trees in Tubs

JonERae

Hi Spoonman,

Thanks for your input. I didn't think it would be that easy.

I have attached a picture of the tree but keep in mind that the tree was on its side when I received it. When I posted for advice I was told by Carl Bergstrom to put it back in the pot and wait for spring for repotting. (I hope I spelled his name correctly.)

JonERae

Attached Images

resize of chinese elm full (2) 008.jpg (31.5 KB, 158 views)

JonERae

I guess I do better on the close ups.

Jon

spoonman

thats fine just wanted to see what it looked like, nothing fancy. healing the scars will still take time, and they will probably never heal fully.

__________________
"Little laurel trees, your roots can find
No mountain, yet your leaves extend
Beyond your own world into mine
Perennial wands, unfolding in my thought
The budding evergreen of time."
-Kathleen Raine, The Trees in Tubs

BonsaiMon

JonERae,
The best tools for repairing these marks are knob cutters and a dremel. The knob cutter first to get the bulk of the undesired wood eliminated with clean cuts. I have a small knob cutter and it works great for the smaller work like this. I use the dremel to cleanup the inner cut dead wood to allow the cambium to heal over and provide a smooth line. I work my elms like this mainly in the spring/early summer in advance of vigorous growth.
The first shot with the ring mark will heal over in time, somewhat.. maybe some shaving with a very sharp( razor ) knife of the outer layer of the bark to keep it from raising where the two side will meet in the middle.
There are a couple spots where branches had been removed awhile ago which need some cleaning up . Removing the deadwood down to the trunk plus the thickness of the bark will help ensure a smooth scar.
The second pic shows a very deep wound.. it will require a lil more drastic work to heal smothly on the trunk. The same process is used, removing the undesired buldge but cutting back a little on both sides also(see pic). In doing this you will be cutting into the live bark so keep your cuts clean.. using sharp tools. I don't use cute paste but this is a personal choice. I feel by working when the tree is healthy and growing vigorous.. it will heal over with ease.

Attached Images

resize of 2004-07-27 006.jpg (12.6 KB, 80 views)

__________________
peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/

JonERae

BonsaiMon,

Thanks for all the help for my elm. I do have a concave cutter but not a knob cutter. I am slowly buying the ones I need. You stated to use a "dremel", but I cannot find that tool listed. Could it be called by another name?

I will hold off my purchase of the knob cutter until I find out about the dremel. Do you recommend that I wait until spring to do this? I bought my first tree last year so everyday is a learning lesson.

Thanks again for your input.

JonERae

susieq

JonERae,
The dremel is a brand name of little grinding tool that sells at any of the big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. I have several that I use for wood carving. They are a multi purpose tool. Depending on the attachments you buy, they range from about $60 to $90. You can buy different bits to use in them and they come with two collet sizes.... 3/16 and 1/8. There are some battery operated ones too, but these are for light work. I would stick with the plug in one.....that part is personal preference.

Good luck with your project.
susieq