AusBonsai

Hi everyone, I got a pretty cool Celtis yesterday and I want to start refining what's already there. My main problem is that where the first branch should come from, there are currently four coming from the general area. I can't really decide which one to choose. I'm thinking branch number 2 because branches 3 and 4 are pretty thin and branch 1 is too high (it might make a T-shape with the branch on the other side). Thoughts?

I also have no idea how to care for this species. Can I do this semi-major pruning now? When do I repot? How hard can I root-prune? Does defoliating them help with ramification? Mine is currently in full-sun, this okay?

Thanks

I've had another look and now I'm thinking of using branch 1 to grow upwards to form a lower corner of the apex. Removing branch 2 because it will to superfluous. Then using branch 3 or 4 as my first low branch (probably 3 because it's thicker so I'll save some growing time and there's a slight bulge on the trunk where its exiting, so when it thickens up a bit this bulge will not look so obvious) .

personally I would remove 3 and keep 4. 4 is a continuation of the trunk line and the bulge will not be as obvious as leaving 3. One you have decided which one you want to remove. Then your choice of 1 or 2 will be more obvious.
Cheers
Kirky

Too late to repot now. You can remove 1/3 to 3/2 of roots when repotting. Make sure it is well feed and healthy before defoliating. Weekly Liquid feed after defoliation. General care:-
POSITION Full sun. Do not let it dry out.
FEEDING Weekly after buds open for 4 to 5 weeks. Then every two weeks until late Summer.
REPOTTING Annually as buds extend.
PRUNING Trim back new shoots to shape. Responds well to repeated pruning and defoliation. This can cause 3 or 4 new shoots to emerge at the same point; it is important to reduce this to two. You must keep on top of this or they can thicken quickly causing thick knobly branches.
Cheers
Kirky

Interesting tree. With current foliage hard to see what is happening with the main trunk and apex.

Looking at branch 4 looks like there is damage underneath, the join to the trunk seems weak although could just be the picture. Based on the health of the branch I might go with 3 instead and wire forward.

Can also see merits in keeping 1 and using this towards the canopy, would be good to see the framework, but only defoliate when ready. Based on this design might question the lower branch, but for now gives you options.

For now would reduce the unwanted, keep 1 and 3, remove 2 and 4. Don't be in a rush, try covering the unwanted branch with a cloth and take a step back.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I've decided that 2 must go because it's simply too close to the other branches.

I'm also going to do a general clean-up of the tree and will post some more pictures because it'll be clearer to see the trunk line and branching.

I got one of these today, would love to see an update.