please help me shape my Chinese Elem Bonsai (Big Pics)

[oilwatcher]

Hi guys.

Been a long time lurker but now I am stuck and I am unsure what to do with my tree. Specifically I need helping in shaping my tree and also to be told whether or not I can approach graft some branches onto the trunk to form a better nebari and thicker trunk.

Information about my tree -
I am in UK.
Purchased from B&Q in March 2011. (US Mallsai equivalent)
Tree seems healthy eough just now
Water it daily (ok because soil is cat litter)
fertilise weekly
prune every 3 weeks

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Picture of when I first purchased in March 2011.
[img]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/superdude84/Chinese%20Elm%20March%202011/2011-03-271.jpg[/img]
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Few pictures of tree taken about a month ago. The two long branches are now about three times the height of the tree and are pretty thick. Rest of the tree is still the same.

[img]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/superdude84/Chinese%20Elm%20March%202011/2012-02-2616.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/superdude84/Chinese%20Elm%20March%202011/2012-04-04.jpg[/img]
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As you can see I have specifically grown out two branches to thicken them up. However I now believe it has thickened enough and I also think they are sapping energy out the rest of three.




However I feel like it will be a waste if I just cut them off and throw them away so is it possible to put them to use? Can I approach graft them onto the trunk to make it thicker?
I seen this article which looks like it could be possible.
https://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATApproachGraftingRoots.htm

If I just cut off a branch and then join it to the trunk and also have the bottom sticking into the soil then it will form roots in the soil? sorry if I sound very silly but I am new to this and I don't quite understand how the branch can form new roots.

Or should I air Layer it? Or ground layer?

I would be interested in literally anything at all you guys have to say about my tree or the tecniques I am proposing. I am sure lots of people can benefit from the your tips so I wil be very grataeful if you guys share.

Thanks alot everyone!

[manofthetrees]

howdy oilwatcher,
your tree is looking great, what a transformation in a short amount of time. I do believe your heavy growth is due to your heavy watering and fert. schedule but it seems to working well .I am not too familiar with the species so can't help with the rooting of branches

[djlen]

Very nice job with this plant. I don't know why you would want to use the techniques you describe to thicken the trunk or branches. This species is a very fast grower and will develop quickly on it's own with your able guidance.
Funny that you use the guy-wire approach to working your branches. I have been using that technique for years because early on I scarred a few trees. I left the wires on too long. Now I drill out holes in the rim of my plastic training pots and use mostly fishing line to pull the branches into the desired positions.
In short, I wouldn't change a thing. The tree is coming along just fine!!