Zelkova serrata
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Zelkova serrata
This is a recent ebay purchase. the tree has good trunk movement, good nebari and a good base, but the branches and ramification need to be developed, which is fairly easy on this vigorous species. Its going to be trained as an informal upright....will update later in the year
Future plans
Future plans
BobbyLane- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
I think even before working on the top, you need to fix the roots. If this was my tree I would air-layer the base first.
juniper07- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
I agree but not air layer,ground layer. I would also put it in a collander for this and the branch development. It will go even faster.juniper07 wrote:I think even before working on the top, you need to fix the roots. If this was my tree I would air-layer the base first.
M. Frary- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
Thanks for your input guys, I personally dont see the roots as a big problem, there are one or two ugly or crossing bits at the front which can be snipped off, there are one or two higher roots that could possibly be pushed deeper down or removed, i think the tree itself could be planted deeper... at the next re pot(spring) i can asses whats going on properly, because i see a good base once those minor bits are addressed. some ground layering could be done once the tree is growing strongly. i do have some plans to slip it into an airpot in the meantime though...
BobbyLane- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
Hi folks
I have indeed decided to tidy up the roots today and i also carried out a ground layer for the first time, here are the pics..
Removing the top soil..
Below ive cut away the cambium with a scalpel..i did this all around the back of the tree and did a little at the bottom of the curly root on the left, afterwards i rubbed with rooting hormone powder and packed tightly with spagnum and soil from the pot and top dressed with Kaizen number 1.
The root overlapping the big fat root is bothering me..
Looks much better after removing it..
I like this as the front, it will stay in this pot and ill assess in spring. for now it will be left to grow out and tidy up and remove any crossing branches in winter when i can see the branches. It has potential as an informal broom, i think it will look quite nice in 2-3 years by clipping and growing.
I have indeed decided to tidy up the roots today and i also carried out a ground layer for the first time, here are the pics..
Removing the top soil..
Below ive cut away the cambium with a scalpel..i did this all around the back of the tree and did a little at the bottom of the curly root on the left, afterwards i rubbed with rooting hormone powder and packed tightly with spagnum and soil from the pot and top dressed with Kaizen number 1.
The root overlapping the big fat root is bothering me..
Looks much better after removing it..
I like this as the front, it will stay in this pot and ill assess in spring. for now it will be left to grow out and tidy up and remove any crossing branches in winter when i can see the branches. It has potential as an informal broom, i think it will look quite nice in 2-3 years by clipping and growing.
BobbyLane- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
Waw great job on the trunk. I would also have removed the overlapping root if I were you. But i would turn the tree a couple degrees clockwise, for the front (atleast from what i've seen on the photos)
Eelo- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
The layer won't work if you don't go all the way around the trunk scraping down past the cambium layer. It will just heal over. You need to interrupt the flow completely. It will help immensely if you wipe the cambium off with rubbing alcohol.
M. Frary- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
Thanks guys
Hi M. Frary, here ive just made some window cuts around the back to induce new roots to form, i thought it was called ground layering i could be wrong, i understand air layering as making a ring cut around the entire girth of the tree as you suggested.
Im hoping new roots will form around the back, if it doesnt work i will try again at the next re pot in spring.
With a little ground cover..
Hi M. Frary, here ive just made some window cuts around the back to induce new roots to form, i thought it was called ground layering i could be wrong, i understand air layering as making a ring cut around the entire girth of the tree as you suggested.
Im hoping new roots will form around the back, if it doesnt work i will try again at the next re pot in spring.
With a little ground cover..
BobbyLane- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
You don't have to decide this year. Read on layering and calculate your options. 2 choices. Live with the roots you have now or make new and better nebari. It depends on taste and skills. Vigorous growth is needed if you want to do a complete layer. My opinion, go big or go home. Do it next year so you are more confident it's the best option.
Dirk Hoorelbeke- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
So, after further observations, research and thought...ive decided to carry out a full layer of the bulbous base
Here is my first air/ground layer in pics
I used the same procedure as carried out here https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t6174-ulmus-parvifolia-5-years-progression
Just hope it goes well and hopefully ive set this tree up well for the future now....
Also, im going to lay some black weed matting cloth over the top of the layer, to draw heat in. Looks like the OP in the thread above did something similar?
Here is my first air/ground layer in pics
I used the same procedure as carried out here https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t6174-ulmus-parvifolia-5-years-progression
Just hope it goes well and hopefully ive set this tree up well for the future now....
Also, im going to lay some black weed matting cloth over the top of the layer, to draw heat in. Looks like the OP in the thread above did something similar?
BobbyLane- Member
Re: Zelkova serrata
Good option to take the plunge. Let it grow. Is it pure sphagnum? It might be wet for long. I like the option to build a container around it on the soil, fill it with good bonsai soil, at the level of the airlayer a bit sphagnum. It should root easy. Keep us posted.
Dirk Hoorelbeke- Member
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