Suggestions for my Catlin Elm

Hi all,

This is Cornelius the Catlin Elm and my first bonsai, and I've been growing it for a little over a year now. I purchased it from a local Japanese nursery and have mostly grown it based off of tips I've read from Bonsai books from the public library. I'm growing it outdoors in Los Angeles, CA.

If anyone could give me some suggestions about its shape, pruning it, repotting it, and anything else it would be much appreciated. Also, would anyone be able to help me estimate the age of the tree? Thanks.

Here are some pictures of it.


Front View

Top View

Back View

Left View

Right View

Close up

If you could post a picture against a plain background and taken at eye level showing several sides it will be more help to us. Pictures taken from above and with a drk busy background aren't much help.

That said, it looks as if you will want to cut some of those long branches back closer to the trunk.

Sorry about that, hope these are better.


Front

Right

Left

Back

Much better. I think picture 2 and the last picture are your choices for the front of the tree. On the last picture, I'd cut 2/3 of that big side branch (then make several cuttings out of it). The other branches I think I'd cut back about 1/3 each to start. Then take a good look at whet you have and work on what you think would be its overall "style."

Sounds good. Any chance you might be able to guess the age of the tree for me?

2 years?