Identification and styling

[worthy1]

Hi all,

I got this bonsai while it was dormant and it had no tags so i took a punt. The buds have since opened and it is nice and bushy. I am wanting to find out exactly what type it is and any styling tips that will make this bonsai look the part

Thanks in advance

[craigw60]

I would guess it is zelkova serata usually grown in the broom style.
Craigw

[Craig]

Looks like Zelkova to me aswell, Craig

[Jamie]

just to throw a spanner in the works, could this possibly be hornbeam? the leaf shape looks a little long to me for zelcova..??

also the colours on the edge look reddish..

[Craig]

Don't think so Jamie Here's some pics from my Zelkova, what do you think?,,Craig

[Dumper]

zelkova for me.

[Jamie]

hi mate

I think your right there after seeing that pic we learn something every day hey

[worthy1]

Thanks for your help identifying this one.

As for styling i have tried reading up on how to get the broom style. It seems i need to cut a V in the trunk. Not sure if this has already been done by the previous owner and just not followed through. Hav a look at the pic below where i have tried to capture where it appears a V was cut up the top.



Should i keep this V or scrap it and try again (in the winter months)? if i should keep it what should i do with all the lower branches at this time of year?



Thanks once again for your help

[Jamie]

hi mate

for this one to become a broom you will need t cut way, way lower, down as far as the lowest level of foliage!!

you shouldnt be able to select a couple of branches that are there to begin the broom styling, it will be a small, shorter tree with that size trunk

[worthy1]

So as i understand it i wana V cut about 1/3rd of the height of the current trunk length and remove all foilage from the tree at the same time?

Bit hesitant to do this as being farely new to bonsai i dont wana kill the tree as it has been developing since 2003 before i got a hold of it but i guess if i dont try then i will never learn

[Pup]

The trunk line has plenty of movement BUT no taper, so to make this a nicer tree it needs to be trunk chopped. Although it has been worked on for the time you say.

The work has been all wrong. So it needs to be corrected. Zelkova are usually styled in the broom, but they do not have to be, they do make nice informal as well.
This tree needs cutting back by at least half, then find a new leader and work from there.

Or if as you have said V cut for a broom!, if you do this you need a very straight trunk and good root flair. All other piece's can be used for cutting's.

Cheers Pup

[worthy1]

No worries,

So when should i make the big chop? do i wait till winter?

[Pup]

No worries,

So when should i make the big chop? do i wait till winter?

It is growing now, so NOW it has all spring to put out new growth and heal the scars.

Cheers Pup

[worthy1]

Sounds right to me. All the resource i could find on broom styling said to cut the V during winter so thought id ask.

Something to do this arfternoon now by the looks of it

[worthy1]

Chopped! went to just under half and stripped all branches.