AusBonsai

Following are a couple of photos of one of my English Elm's, before and after defoliation. It took quite some time to defoliate this tree properly so I will be interested in how it comes back and the size of the leaves.
This tree was dug a few years ago and had a natural shari, well natural in that it was caused by cattle.
I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions for improvement.
Cheers
Watto

Hi Watto,

I would probably lose the lowest left branch and the lowest right hand branch; they are both very straight. The branches higher on the right hand side could then be shortened and allowed then to regrow out with a few more wiggles for interest.

I would keep the second branch on the left but shorten dramatically the one above it to the more vertical portion and allow it then to grow out.

The apex will thicken in time but needs to do so to look better. Maybe you need to let a sacrifice branch grow close to the top to thicken it quickly.

Grant

Hi Watto, i would be cutting the main branches back to the first secondary and then let it grow. Wire the new branches extension into place. Let it grow and then repeat. Cut to the next secondary etc. This makes the branches more realistic and gives better ramification and foliage clouds. Beautiful trunk line

I would consider the tree as a complete waste of time and space
So I will humbly take it off your hands

Jokes aside, I would lengthen the first branch on the left, remove the first branch on the right and work on the apex to give a smoother taper. Then just general ramification.

Thanks for the suggestions folks. The suggestions are all relatively similar so I will give them some very careful consideration. Probably my real area of concern is the trunk line near the apex - certainly not thick enough.
A few minutes ago I took a photo of the current ramification for your information and hopefully that will encourage you to give me just one more thought? It was dark so it is not perfect, but it will give you an indicator.
Cheers

After just 20 days this tree is back in leaf. I do plan to conduct some major work over the Christmas break and hopefully that will point this in the right direction.
Anyway, here is a photo.

That's come back very nicely Watto, looking good

Dont you just love those Ulmus proceras Watto

Bodhi - they are tough and beautiful, what more can you ask for?