AusBonsai

Was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time today to pick up this beauty for a reasonable price. Absolutely love it but once I got it home I noticed one problem...a crack in the top branch which has been bent up to become the top section of the trunk. Seems that that tree has been knocked at some stage and the top of the trunk has been bent the wrong way and cracked right at the joint. The section seems to be alive as it is still connected to live bark, but I fear if it gets knocked the wrong way it will snap right off.

Anyone had this problem before? What did you do? non toxic glue and clamp/wire?

Thanks

and here are the photos

don't glue it, you'll interupt the cambium flow. clamp it nice & firm, seal it off & sit back & wait for some growth, if your lucky it will heal & join up ok, dave.

Gday Webos!

That's a whopper of a tree, with a great base!

It does indeed look like the tree has copped a knock (or experienced really strong winds when in leaf) at some stage. If you're really concerned, you could gently wrap the entire area (50mm each side of the break (?)) with grafting tape, followed by a tighter go with self-adhesive silicone tape or the like. Finally, you could apply stiff wire to the whole thing to ensure that the join doesn't move again without your consent. The only problem I see with this plan is that you might be wise to remove the existing wire before committing to the guidelines above, but in doing so you might break the branch clean off...

I wouldn't be too concerned about the survival of the cracked branch/leader, as the tree's powerful base suggests to me that the new leader should be lower down the trunk. I believe that there is a more ancient tree in the making if you lop the top and allow newer, lower leaders to present themselves.

Please bear in mind that my experience with Elms is limited, and that my advice is based only on the photos you have provided.

I'd love to have a crack at material like this!

Thanks!

Fly.

Whenever I have come across this situation I shorten the leader(or branch) considerably so there is less weight to aggravate the break. Then wire and if I can get the wire on without the branch breaking right off it has always healed. There only seems like a small amount of wire there so with this I would cut above the first branch that is above the break. I think this could be an acceptable new leader anyway. Leaving the existing wire I would also add more VERY carefully. Starting from the branch that is below the break.
Very nice elm I would like to see other angles.

webos what a great tree. beautiful base! and branches too english elm yeah? both dave and brett have given you good advice on the break.

Hi Webos, first can I say that that tree is magnificent. Saying you were there at the right time is an understatement. The thickness of that trunk is beautiful. May I ask if you don't mind were you got it and how much you paid for it? . As far as the wound goes, I would'nt too concerned. Elms are tough!! I noticed that you smeared the wound with what I think is cut paste in order to treat the crack. If that is correct, the only place it does'nt seem to have gone into is the crack. This is why in these situations I believe you are better off using the more viscous sealant that comes in the tube. Putting cut paste on the crack will only work if you have really really thin fingers so you can push it in. The sealant in the tube is better here because of it's viscosity. You simply poor it on like honey and let "gravity" do the rest as it seaps into the crack on it's own. Having said that I also believe cut paste will do the job if you completely cover the crack over the top and let the tree do the rest. There is plenty of cambium there for Mr Elm to start budding in Spring. Anyway that's my 10 cents worth.....others may have better suggestions.

P.S. I would start the wiring from a little lower down in order to give yourself more power to create a better more fluid bend in that leader. It just seems way too jagged and triangular to me. I would have started with a double wire just above were your sealant ends and then divert them to each of the 2 branches. The area between the sealant and the beginning of the wire where it is now should also be wired as this part of the trunk also needs to be bent a little. Having said all that it may be wise to wait a while until that crack heals.

Cannot thank you enough guys....Great advice from all. Appreciate your help and will keep everyone informed on the continuing story of my new tree...I cant believe I got it on a chance encounter today!!!! My joy is indescribable!!

The blue sealant on it was there when I got the tree...

Thats an excellent specimen.

If you just got your hands on it, make your own mark on it, create a new line, i agree to go with the new leader idea.

Just like a bad hair cut, it's going to grow out in time.

Repot it, feed it up.

Here it is a year and a half later. i've since turned it around 180 degrees. But looking at the old photos, I love the original Nebari...its fantastic. On the side I'm presently using as the front, the problem is the big belly it pokes out. As you can see it has a big trunk hollow and a dead section running up towards the apex with a good Nebari, but not as good as the original one.

Let me know what you all think..

Hi Webos, I think the new front doesn't suit, i'd maybe take a look at it from the virt Psymo posted but rotated 45 degrees to the right, so the new front would be veiwed from where the water bottle is. You have already used a new leader somewhat like Psymo suggested. Looks like it would then have some forward facing roots,, you would need to sort that out, but just my worth. On another note the bark looks to be ageing well since original post,, Regards Craig

I have to agree that the old front was a better view. This is an elm, which means that you can grow a set of branches and an apex where ever you like.

I'd be spinning it around again.

Cheers,
Mojo

i've used cheap super glue below. from reject shop. seem to be fine. even if there's toxic. if the tree is healthy enough i think they will fight the toxic easily

john

I'd have to agree with you guys...Amazing how you lose sight of something when you stare at it too much..