Shohin

I have a chinese elm in my garden that I planted 4 years ago. it was about 3/4" in diameter then and is now close to 3". I've chopped it once since its been in the ground.

Well, if you've read my other thread, you know that I'm moving . . . . and I want to take this tree with me because its got a great start to it.

The buds have not yet really begun swelling on it, but they will very soon (like within the next 2-3 weeks). When is the best time for me to chop, dig, and pot this guy? VERY strong grower over the past few years.

I also know that potting it is going to seriously delay development on the tree. The trunk is nowhere near ready. It needs at least another 3-4 years in the ground to get where I want it to go, and unfortunately that's just not going to happen. Its going to have to live in a pot for a while until I get a yard again.

Michel

Hi,


I'd be quite happy with a 3 inch trunk,
(remember that BIG trees tend to become a burdon
when You grow older Yourself), but whatever . . .
If You want o keep it growing: Use a growing box.
You know those wooden boxes You buy 6 winebottles in ?
That's the ticket: nail or screw 2 wooden slats on the bottom
surface to keep the bottom off the ground and that's it.
Use good garden soil and allow Your tree to grow on the balcony.

By the time the box falls apart, Your tree will be ready.

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

JLDoggett

As Michel said a grow box is your best idea. Though for the move, you might want to use a large plastic pot (they are too deep for regular growing). light and fairly rugged.

Michel, over here some people buy wine is a box without it being in bottles...

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Shohin

well I am actually happy with the diameter, but only the first section is developed. Once I chop, its going to be 3" in diameter, but only 5" tall with a flat/blunt top . . . not appealing.

Mattbonsai

Hi,

Now is the best time to lift and pot it, just before it sends out leaves is the best time to do root works.

If you put it in a grow box, it should take better when it goes back into the ground if that is your intention for the tree. A Bread crate or similar is very good for this, as the roots get 'air' pruned, causing them to be Very fine making it establish back in the ground stupidly quick.

Cheers

-Matt-

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Michel

Hi,



Overhere as well . . .
In carton brick packs or in plastic bags placed in cartons
But when I talk boxes, I mean (wooden) boxes,
not cartons

Anyway, a 3 inch diameter trunk with a height of
about 5 inches sounds ideal to start a hokidachi,



and that is something You don't see in the average
hobyists' collection.

Even the species is very suitable for it.

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

Shohin

Right, I agree about the hokidachi, but I've read very mixed (and mostly undesirable) results with this approach. This is where you lop it off, notch a "V" and then wrap with rafia or similar binding material?

I'd love to give it a go . . . I think I just may now that you've brought my attention to it.

Michel

Hi,

that's the one . . .

here are some links to help You along . . .

Link 1

Link 2

Good luck !

__________________
Greetz,
Michel