Japanese Grey Bark Elm

andrewh

I won this Japanese Grey Bark Elm (Zolkova serrata) from eBay.

The tree seems to be healthy, however it had some wiring already done to it that was horrible.

The first picture is the original (the way it was shipped to me)

The second two pics are after I removed the wiring (the wiring was done with insulated electrical wire)

I would love to hear advice/opinions or see what you guys would do (virtuals!!!) with this tree.

Andrew

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originalelm.jpg (9.7 KB, 178 views)

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andrewh

2nd Picture (wiring removed)

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grayelm1.jpg (26.9 KB, 171 views)

andrewh

Last picture (side view)

Attached Images

grayelm2.jpg (27.4 KB, 163 views)

Jay

Andrew, I am not a fan of the individual that you purchased this tree from. I believe he does (the few) good bonsai sellers and the vast community of ebay sellers a dis-service.



I think this is a bit of an overstatement. The tree you have seems to be perhaps 1/2 inch thick at the base, is this true?

I would leave it alone for this season, allow it to adjust to its new home. During this time think of the direction you want this tree to go in the next 5-10 years as it begins to develops. Then in the spring, before the buds open you can start to wire what you need.

I would also VERY STRONGLY urge you to join a local club if you do not already belong. They can direct you to some excellent sources of local bonsai and non-bonsai nurseries in your area.

__________________
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

andrewh

Hi Jay,

You are very correct and I was thinking when I received this tree that I would not be doing buisness with this person in the future... was trying my luck on eBay, but now I think I will be alot more careful with my selections...the good part is that this tree was very inexpensive, and looks to be healthy...hopefully with a little TLC, I can help it grow in to something beautiful.

The base of the tree is approx 1/2 inch to maybe 3/4 inch thick.

Should I move this to a grow box now and let it grow for a year to two or more?

I am going to join the Midori Bonsai Club (in San Jose)
right after the Holidays!

Thanks for your advice Jay!

Andrew

Kazuki

Personally, I love viewing my zelkova's in a broom style... it seems like the only style it works well with.

andrewh

Kazuki,

Do you think I could re-train this tree to do broom style?...that is the style I would prefer to end up with if possible.

Andrew

DavidN

Andrew

It despends on what kind of tree you want. If you want a fatter trunk then it has to go into the ground. If you want to keep it thin then keep it where it is. I'm guessing this is a Zelkova (Japanese grey bark elm). The good thing about getting a thin trunk is that you can decide early on what kind of direction you intend to go with the tree. I guess on of the keys is to get nice movement into the trunk and good root base. Movement of trunk can be achieved by wire or clip and grow. A nice root base can be achieved by yearly trimming of the downward moving, directly underneath the trunk, roots.

David

Karl Thier

Hi Andrew, I would give the tree a little more time to grow before you form him.
Greetings from Austria, Karl T.

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Karl T.