chinese elm

I have a small one that has a stright top trunk.. would it be too late in the year to trunk chop it,, then hope for a bud break to start a new leader for the apex ???? thank you very much john

I would say yes but I'm just guessing. For encouragement, I got antsy and decided to dig up a sweet gum way after you should, then it got angry and dropped all of it's leaves . I thought It was dead for the longest time and it just threw out some new foliage a couple of days ago.

For better knowledge, check out this posts in Bonsai4me.com

(There will be 4 in total)

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATDeciduousBonsaiBranchStructure.html

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATDeciduousBonsaiAutumnPruning.html.

moyogijohn wrote:I have a small one that has a stright top trunk.. would it be too late in the year to trunk chop it,, then hope for a bud break to start a new leader for the apex ???? thank you very much john

You're almost certain to get the budding you want. I can chop Chinese elm this time of year with no concerns. However, since you're a lot farther north than I am, your potential issue is that the new growth needs to harden off before winter.

Zach

I think you will be fine if you chop.

Thank You Everyone for your responces and help.. you all know I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET !!!! I think i will make the chop,,the trees go in a green house anyway..thanks again take care john

Hi moyogijohn,

Post some pics of your elm for us.

I'm in zone 5 and for most deciduous trees, (maples, elms, etc) there is enough time for new buds to grow and harden off before the snow flies all the way up to about July 15. You are farther south, so you might be able to go a bit later. I do prefer to do my trunk chops before July 4, but I have gotten away with it as late as middle July.