Large Elm Styling

JayC

Hi everyone!

2 days ago i bought this lovely elm from a bonsai nursery. It has been grown in a field for 4 year's (thought to be but the salesman couldnt be sure) and has got a nice trunk about 1 and a half inches thick.

The main problem i have is that there is almost no taper. It seems to be throwing out alot of new growth aswell but i've read conflicting information about when to wire this growth. Many sites have suggested wiring after leaf out (if it does lose its leaves here anyway, we dont get snow) but i think if i wait until spring, this new growth will have hardened off and i wont be able to get good branch direction.

Should i not worry about the taper or should i carve the top and grow a new leader. Maybe i should put it back into the ground and grow some sacraficial branches? Maybe i should put it back into the ground and trunk chop it next year or in a few years time?

This is my first elm and i must say i love the foliage of the ones on the internet but im going to have to wait until sping to see my nice green growth.
Thanx in advance for any help or advice!

JayC

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Marie1uk

I'd choose "Maybe i should put it back into the ground and trunk chop it next year or in a few years time?" and also develop sacrifice branches near the base at the "back".

Select a leader, wire it to the right angle, then leave it. Chop back the real apex twice a year to divert some energy into the new leader. When you're happy with the smooth tranistion (diameter wise) of the new leader chop the sacrifice apex off and start to build a branch structure.

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