Recently I bought a lovely, healthy Chinese Elm (at least, the lable said "Zelkova - Imported") from a good supplier. It is in a 4" nursery pot.

This tree is mentioned in two of my bonsai books and one says that repotting should be done before new growth begins, while the other says it should be done in early spring. Are they both saying the same thing?

My Zelkova is not only very cramped in its present pot but has now put out two shoots from a root and they are almost 2" tall and growing.

Do these shoots constitute "new growth" or will I kill the tree if I move it to roomier quarters right now? I'm hoping that the shoots are growing from a strong root so that I can cut it off and start a new plant.

Any suggestions?

Krys