This is well over due , layering my big Maple for the second year purchased for $15.95 on Ebay .Last year i set 12 layers on this tree , however a fungus attack killed all but 3 of the layers . This time around a  different approach to the set up using the ring bark method and adding wire to the section as per pines .I have also added the v cuts to increase the area to be layered and to guide the callous/ roots down towards the wire were they should spread away from the hardwood and sprout strong radial roots .When using wire set on an angle to suit the trunk movement a small “V”cut in the wood prevents it from slipping down ,  200mm pots and a mixture of 50% Spagnum moss 10% Quarts sharps and 40% Scoria  by volume . I have another garden tree which i will set approximately 2 dozen layers on then remove the trunk as a borer attack every year has taken its toll .With the section set the split pot is then attached and duct taped together, for added security a wire is used to hold the pot up whilst loading the mixture inside .A pot of this size weighs about 1.5 kgms wet so the wire will be left on . With the first layer set i move onto the other  remaining trunks .After 3 hours all 4 trunks were set and its off to the next tree . The trunks range from 60mm to 90mm so hopefully next season i will have some rather good large trainers to style .

Cheers Alpineart

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