I found a lot near a Target store that is going to be cleared in the next week or so. (I found this out by calling to get permission to collect) I happen to stumble upon Chinese Elm's of all different sizes. The Target has Chinese Elms in there parking lot and due to wind and water drainage the seeds from those trees ended up on this lot. I went after work yesterday and collected one that I wanted to make sure I got. It's leaves have already started popping due to our mild winter and early onset spring. I have high hopes that I did everything correct and I believe it's survival now depends on my aftercare. It's trunk at the base is 7.5cm or 3in. I has a nice cure right from the base of the trunk due to having to grow on a slight incline.

Nobel act from you. I have my fingers crossed for this rescue. Keep us posted on the progress.

Is that UK btw?

Nobel act from you. I have my fingers crossed for this rescue. Keep us posted on the progress.

Is that UK btw?

States. South Carolina.

Well I have an update already. After talking with my bonsai mentor he said "A lot of green leaves on that tree for collecting...typically you want to get them when they are still green buds...they appear to be at their most sensitive/vulnerable point...young soft and delicate leaves that have not hardened off yet..."
I thought since I collected it just after the leaves budded it would be okay. He told me (in regards to it being a C. Elm) "They are tough...it will probably be fine...I would be tempted to cut the apex back to no foliage and just let it sprout again....if the foliage was to all wither from collecting you might lose the whole branch....whereas if you cut it back to no leaves there will be no withering and new buds will form..."
So I did this. (He says things like "I would be tempted to" to let me make my own choices)

If it was mine I would have cut about 2/3 more.

Good luck getting permission to clear the section. Was this the most mature?

Just to make sure.. The container has lots of holes in it right?

leatherback wrote: Good luck getting permission to clear the section.

I got permission before I got the first one and it was a good thing I did. When I went back yesterday I had the police called on me. It was no sweat off of my brow though. I was able to explain everything, person I talk too, and he was on his way.

leatherback wrote: Was this the most mature?

This was not the most mature but from the rings I counted it was about 5 years old. I also found one that had some great bark on it but a huge pine landed on part of if. I was able to get it I just worry about it surviving. Mostly because it's the one I really one to thrive.

leatherback wrote: Just to make sure.. The container has lots of holes in it right?

Yes it does. I know it looks like food storage (because it is) but I drilled holes in it and it drains well.

I will post the other 2 I collected later today.

Here is the oldest

I hope you got the juniper in the first picture too.

If you have a lot that is to be cleared, I would have tried to get somewhat thicker plants.

That juniper is an eastern red cedar. A very difficult material to work with. The lot is full of Tall Long needle pines. I walked the lot very thoroughly and got the largest of the best material. So what I am trying to say is I agree with you Leatherback.