Multi layered Zelkova

[alpinebonsart]

This is my multi layered Zelkova {Japanese Grey Bark Elm} that i collected last winter .It had suffered severe die back for numerous years and when dug up was found to be planted in water-logged clay . With only 3 side branches and a very poor excuse for an apex i decided to tripple layer the trunk and this is the progression .The layers were set after the initial leaf burst had hardened off .

The base of the tree is around 90mm and stands around 1600mm high .

The layers were set approx' 100mm below the main side branches and will have trunks from 40mm to 65mm when severed .

They should make for some impressive informal upright or slanting style brooms .In most cases Zelkova's lend themselves to formal upright or broom style , these will have further layers taken from the apexes of 2 of the starters next sesson to produce a couple of broom style smaller trees.

Again plastic soft drink bottles cut down formed the tubes for the layers and wrapped in duct tape .Watering via a large syringe from the top without opening the layer makes it an easy task .Cheers

[abby]

The layers are looking good - well done on this very interesting project

[alpinebonsart]

Hi abby if its turns out to be a success there should be some very interesting trunk lines to style . I have never tried multi layering on a single trunk however with large side branches to feed each layer it should work , and being an Elm it has extraordinary growth for the container it is in .

If i can find a pic of the tree after digging i will post it up , tip pinching was a daily exercise for the first month just to contain the length of the shoots , i now see why Broom style is the most popular style for this species .Cheers Alpine

[alpinebonsart]

This is a pic of the Zelkova after it was collected from my boundary line , for an Elm estimated at 15-20 years old it is basically a stick with a few side branches .It has suffered die back each year for the 12 years i have been here .

Very little or no ramification was present when dug .I did trim the dead wood back last season , but the new growth died back again,hopefully this wont happen to the trainers or Bonsai .Cheers

[abby]

Wow! That is amazing - Looking forward to progress reports and seeing how it is doing

[taffyman]

That's a good job Alpine. I've never thought of using soft drink bottles, and I reckon it's an excellent idea

[alpinebonsart]

That's a good job Alpine. I've never thought of using soft drink bottles, and I reckon it's an excellent idea

Its extremely tough to cut the bottoms out with snips , a hole saw or large spade bit for drilling timber works a treat , just fill with water and freeze . You can secure them safely in a vice and drill without the risk of cut the "pinkies" off . I will need to use Bigger bottles for the bigger trunks on next years layers on the Maple currently layered .Cheers