crazy elm

Alasdair

After a frosting a few nights ago my chinese elm has taken on an army camouflage effect on the leaves as they are about to drop, but all the new buds have begun to force through in their place! What is it thinking?

i couldn't bear to see all this effort be wasted under another frost as winter really sets in, so heres my question.

If i were to take the elm indoors for the winter and fertilise it as an extended growing season would it harm the tree too much? If not i see this as a massive opertunity to get in another growing season to develop it's sparse looking foliage.

thank you.

__________________
I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

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rockm

Are the new buds swelling or just present? New buds begin forming in summer. They become more noticeable in the fall as old leaves fall. Your tree may not be ready to push new growth and has prepared itself for winter. It would be unnusual for the tree to react that quickly wiht new growth to a frost.

Take a closer look at the buds. If there is little green visible in the bud and they are tight against the branch, the tree isn't pushing them to open.

Bringing the tree inside is certain to force new growth.

I'd leave the tree outside and let it get hit with a few freezes. Then put it under a cold frame or other outdoor winter shelter.