Ulmus parvifolia/Chinese Elm.

Yesterday my friend John and I started work on one of his Chinese elm brought from a garden centre. Hopefully on the path to a better life. The last picture is a virtual of where we want to go.
Any ideas welcome.
Thanks Sam & John

Hi Sam,

isnt the final virt a lot like the tree before you cut everything off ? (other than the shortened apex).

Many of the secondary and tertiary bits pruned off could have been wired perfectly into the branch structure of the virt, but they are off now so not to worry . There was probably about 4 or 5 years of branch growth cut off but with strong feeding you will have them back again in a bit less time - watch the wires though as 6 weeks of strong summer growth will scar the branches - final pot choice a bit too shallow i think - for the appearance it needs to be heavier, and for the trees benefit it needs to be deeper or it will dry out fast and the leaves will curl up.

in time, if you guys want a more unique tree a great raft could be made - just like the old peter adams trident (rip i think, but not sure?)

cheers Marcus

marcus watts wrote:Hi Sam,

isnt the final virt a lot like the tree before you cut everything off ? (other than the shortened apex).

Many of the secondary and tertiary bits pruned off could have been wired perfectly into the branch structure of the virt, but they are off now so not to worry . There was probably about 4 or 5 years of branch growth cut off but with strong feeding you will have them back again in a bit less time - watch the wires though as 6 weeks of strong summer growth will scar the branches - final pot choice a bit too shallow i think - for the appearance it needs to be heavier, and for the trees benefit it needs to be deeper or it will dry out fast and the leaves will curl up.

in time, if you guys want a more unique tree a great raft could be made - just like the old peter adams trident (rip i think, but not sure?)

cheers Marcus

Hi Marcus, I know it looks brutal but essential for the future development of the tree. Braches before all lacked taper and were too old and brutal to bend. This tree has been cut like a hedge for the last 10 year with no attention to detail in the winter months. Like a lot of trees of this stature, when purchased they are in a mess both above and below soil. Also Chinese elms have a tendency to grow back in on themselves, which a lot of these branches were. Now all is rectified and set for the future.
Thanks Sam

Sorry forgot to mention about the pot. Virtual was only rushed I’m afraid. I agree the pot is not right.
Sam

If it were mine, it would be a LOT shorter; there's too little in the way of taper up the length of that too-snaky trunk and, in fact some of the upper portions of the trunk look thicker than the lower (that could be a camera artifact, I suppose).

Sorry I can't be more complimentary.

I agree that it should be a little shorter due to the taper. It should be cut after the 3rd curve. Very nice movement in the trunk but why take it past the point of no taper? What's the rush? It has the potential to be a beautiful tree so it's worth it. I'd take off the top 1/3.
Ian

Yes although I would still grow a new top after that cut another 6 inches or so but with taper. So it would be taller than the photo you just posted but you'd see the trunk get smaller after that 3rd curve. (just my thoughts!)
Ian

The height and curves depend on the look you want to go for. High or lower will make a very nice tree assuming new branches will bud to give you some more options. Nice job!

regards,
jun

Hi Jun,

I prefer the 1st draw.

With this angle you have choosen the best prospective of the tree.

My suggestion is this