AusBonsai

Well here it is looking pretty messy...Busy at work & no time to play. Trimmed back to 2-3 sets of leaves...removed un wanted thicker branches...& yes I now have a Bonsai that kinda resembles a Christmas tree. Have learnt that it's definitely not a good idea to let your trees get ahead of you. Without enough light getting through, some of the inner branches & finer shoots died off & had to be removed. Better that I take more care in the future. Before letting this Elm go wild I had a much nicer rounded canopy & fuller pads. I know that this style probably wouldn't appeal to some enthusiasts but I've had this tree for about 10yrs now and still enjoy it's presence. Although I have pondered & looked at it...trying to imagine a different style & which way to take it...but still very unsure...? So any suggestions as to enhance it's appearance, or take it in a totally different direction are welcome. Please reply with your views & opinions

Personally I'd be looking for a smaller tree for this trunk size but can't say it doesn't work!
Nice turn out from the first pic to the last! Well done.

I'm with Boics in both a shorter tree and the great change in the photos.

If you didnt want to keep it as is what if you were to make a new apex joining the third branch up on both the left and right? And also try to reduce the negative space between the lowest 2 right branches, while removing foliage crossing across the trunk (looking like it on the lowestleft branch?)

I drew a horrific virt on my phone in case I didn't explain it right haha.



Just food for thought as you asked for options.

If I were you I wouldn't change it until after Christmas but

Cheers,
Pearcy.

The problem with aerial root is they create reverse taper above it. You can see that the pathway between the first branch and aerial root is starting to thicken.

It's got a good presence. I think if you were to keep developing th foliage pads out to shorten the stance of the tree it would be a very good tree, if on the traditional side of designs.