Seiju Elm (new stock - 5" trunk :)

GavSol

I purchased this elm this afternoon - it was one of those times when you just keep going back to the same tree

It was a bit of a mess and has a long way to go, but I reckon it's got a fair amount of potential. I love the bark texture!

The first photo shows where it is after a tidy up. So far I've just removed a bit of the back where it was really out of proportion and growing some awkward branches (2nd photo).

There is some reverse taper near the top, so it's defenitely up for a proper chop later in the year. My initial thoughts where to chop at the second branch, to really emphasise the taper - any comments welcome.

Attached Images

	Seiju 1.jpg (69.5 KB, 440 views)
	Seiju 2.jpg (58.2 KB, 294 views)

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anttal63

your right the bark is nice and it has character. definately worth a good crack.

do you mean this 2nd branch?

Attached Images

Seiju_1.jpg (4.1 KB, 605 views)

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GavSol

I did a couple of virts of the next chop; Initially, the lower of the two candidates seems to introduce too much of a step in the taper. A cut at the upper branch seems to keep the tree in proportion.

However, I really need to consider what it will grow into. This is where I'm a little unsure. The upper cut leaves the tree with a longish 'neck', which I feel may not look so good over time. The lower cut is a bit more of an unknown, but I think when it eventually thickens up it would look a lot better.

Both will leave some (more) scars, so it's defenitely a long term project either way. I'd love to get some opinions on what people think about my options here.

Attached Images

	seiju 3.jpg (69.9 KB, 140 views)
	seiju 4.jpg (70.8 KB, 172 views)

anttal63

hey gav my two bob on this is to take the thicker branch of the two. the taper is nearer to blending. the movement from the trunk to the new leader works well from this angle. more bark to boot too. the long neck is not the problem. either way you have a few years of clippng and growing to do in order to get things right; evening out the taper, achieving the right movement. by then there will be no long neck. this project needs to go in the ground to allow you to do all that in reasonable time span. the big chop will also heal quicker in the ground. thats what i would do.

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irene_b

My thoughts would be to airlayer off the entire top.
From bottom up use the 2nd branch on the right as the new leader.
Irene

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Bonsaifreak

Gavsol:

I would favor your fisrt virtual. That is exactly what i did to my seijou elm which had similar dimensions and a similar base as well. Mine was originally a 3 ft tall tree and now is in the process of training as a sumo shohin.

Jorge

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rxweitz

It looks to me like most of that reverse-taper is actually due to the corkiness of the bark. You could probably scrape off some of the outer bark in that area to make the taper smoother.

CScott

It is certainly beautiful material. I agree with rxweitz. Pop off the corky bark higher up. You can save it and glue it on lower down the trunk for awhile if it makes you happy . I like keeping the thicker apex, but would also save one small branch to the left. Keep everything lower down, wire the first few inches of each branch to add movement, then let everything low down grow.

I like taper as much as the next guy (or gal), but the egyptian pyramid covered with bark look has never floated my boat

Carmen

GavSol

rxweitz was right about the bark, I've removed a small amount near the top and started to move some of the branches down. This really made it clear for me.

The attached photo is another virt, where the bushy top has been removed and it is starting to look promising

First photo is of a pot I picked up recently for another tree, but I reckon it will suit this Seiju well. The size and shape are good and the etching picks up nicely on the bark.

I think that's the plan for now. I guess it's time to sit back and be patient - always the fun bit!

Thanks for all of the feedback - it's always great to get someone elses point of view.

Attached Images

	seiju's pot.jpg (33.2 KB, 25 views)
	seiju 5.jpg (42.8 KB, 162 views)