Cork Bark Chinese Elm

Jay

Attached are some pix of my CorkBark Chinese Elm. I posted a pix of him on the 'General' board and Matt had suggested that I consider removing one of the trunks. I am posting some pixs taken today without the leaves so as to give a better look....Suggestions please!!!

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

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Jay

View of Base

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Jay

Back View

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Sandi

I agree with Matt. The shorter trunk is heavier than the taller one and has no taper. It would look much better if it were removed all together. Just my humble opinion. It has great potential though. Good luck.

Earl

I hate to go along with the crowd (that's against my nature!!) but I agree that the shorter trunk should go. Espeacially when you showed the back...that big knob on the short trunk, where all the shoots are coming out is always going to be unattractive. If you're not sure about how to remove that big of a trunk, ask for some help. I'm not sure how you can remove that much so it heals and keeps thet tree looking nice. But it will have a great shape once you also trim off alot of the branches to get a pleasing appearance.

eric

If I may....
I like the pot...
Eric

Jay

Eric, thank you.. I like the pot also. I do think this tree would like a lower profile pot but at this time the roots need the space. I have listed this tree on the IBC gallery and have received several thoughts on its possible future. I am still up in the air, major chops on a tree, especially for a novice should be taken only after much thought. Therefore I ask for additional input from this group, Please

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Earl

Jay, one of the great things about art, is that it is in the eye of the beholder...in this case you. You are probably never going to get agreement...especaially on these boards! I'm sure if you gave your tree to 10 bonsai artists, you would get 10 different styles. My suggestion is to weigh what everybody has already said, and then do exactly what you want to do.And remember, you can always cut something off but you can't put it back on. I think you bought tree for the twin trunks and really want to keep them. So do it. In a year or 5 years you can always cut one off if you decide to.Earl

ANT

Jay,

I obtained a Cork Bark Chinese Elm last year. Similarly it also had two trunks but on mine it was higher up. The first thing I did was to cut it off after selecting the one to keep with the best taper. It was then potted in a deeper training pot and allowed to grow through the summer. It rewarded me with a profusion of new growth all over the tree. These have now been selectively pruned and wired and it is now in a new training pot. I am waiting for some photos. When I receive them I will post them so you can see. Personally having been in a similar situation, I would remove the trunk with less taper and let it throw out new shoots (which in my case they came from everywhere) and over time it will give you a much better shape. This is just my advice, you have to look at it every day, so do what you feel comfortable with, and Earl is right you can't put it back on once it is cut off.
Ant (photos to follow)