When is a good time to prune

I have a couple more questions if someone can help me.
Is this is an ok time to prune the tree? As you can see from my image tree there are quite a few long branches. Do I cut them down hard and is there anywhere in particular should I cut the branch?
Regards
Sue
http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/15/77/23/23/05212.jpg

Hello Sue,

can you take another image from the front of the tree, not looking down.

Here is an example of the front of a Fukien tea.

It's an old image.
Khaimraj

Hello Khaimraj
Here is another image of my tree, hope this one is better.
Regards
Sue

http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/15/77/23/23/001210.jpg

Sue,

thanks for making the effort. A little dark, but we try.

For winter allow 10 leaves to grow, cut back to 3 leaves.
For late spring allow 10 leaves to grow and cut back to 1 leaf.

This is a shape only a mother could love. So I have drawn two options. Accept the ugly child and just make a triangler shape.
Or cut back in late spring and start over.

To do this come back here and wave a flag for attention.

The winter cutting is as safe as you can be.
Need a further explanation, just ask please.

NO FERTILIZER UNTIL EARLY SUMMER - OKAY
Stay Well.
Khaimraj

You have the large leaf version of Fukien Tea. These trees tend to send out the long growth you show and during the growing season almost constant pruning is required. I am not sure of the winters in the West Midlands, but this is not a hardy plant, it will need protection against temperatures below about 5C and frost. You don't mention where you are keeping the tree, but be careful with watering, as growth slows it will be easy to over water which will cause leaf drop and die back, under watering can be spotted quickly with wilting leaves.

Thank you both, your comments are much appreciated. The tree is kept indoors so temperature isn't a problem, gets good sunlight.
I am leaving it until dry before watering so not overwatering, the first tree I had a friend bought it for me, she had quite a few bonsai and told me to put the pot in water and when there were no bubbles appearing to take the pot out and let it drain, I now realise that is what killed it as when I gave it her back to nurse it back to health she said the root was partially rotted so I learnt my lesson on watering.
I will try a bit of shaping but won't overdo it until next year, I do think it needs a trim
No fertiliser until next year, is it ok to mist the leaves at this time of year or not.
I am sure I will be in touch again if that is ok.
Regards

Sue

Hello, Sue!
I have a question concerning the sketch of Mr. Khaimraj, so may I make use of your hospitality???
Thank you!

Well Khaimraj, does this "regimen" of prunning applies to elms, too???

Alexandra,

I would need to know, where you have these elms growing [ outdoors / indoors ], how cold, how long you had them, placement [ sun, bright window ] and if they are actively growing, have long shoots or fine needle type shoots.

If they are in an unheated garage and dormant [ no leaves or very few ] then all you do for winter until they wake up, is carefully keep them ---- moist ----- no wet feet.

I would suggest if you could, carefully allow them to go dormant and you relax all winter.
Khaimraj

* As usual feel free to ask away, if I don't know, someone else will jump in.

In order to avoid overuse of hospitality in Sue's thread, I think I should start a new thread in the Questions Forum.



edit: Here it is http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/bonsai-questions-f7/prunning-chinese-elms-t4504.htm#45114

suerowbotham wrote: is it ok to mist the leaves at this time of year or not.
I am sure I will be in touch again if that is ok.
RegardsSue

We are always here to help.

Most of us do not ever mist our trees.

Thanks very much Billy
Regards
Sue