u/sly_retirbution

Got this Chinese elm two or three weeks ago, I’ve been watering most everyday because of the heat in Florida. It seems to be growing well. I know the soil looks compact but it dries out relatively fast and gets wet throughout, I’ve taken a few samples from time to time with a metal straw to make sure it’s damp.

Just curious as to when it is best to prune it. Had a juniper and it died due to lack of water and also it being a poor setup, but I had also pruned it and wondered if that played a part in its death, can I trim back these long shoots on this Chinese elm? I want it to be more bushy.

Also for reference I got this in the mail.

The first photos where it’s a bit brighter from when I got it, the latter in the dark are current.