best time to air layer trees in Canberra

[GreenThumb]

So I air layered 5 branches of japanese maple today, after a long weekend of shovelling 15 cubic metres of soil and veggie mix. Buggered, but the garden is shaping up nicely for summer. I'll do a couple more at the end of October (hopefully as I am cutting off 5 new trees ) to do the comparison. Technique used is Ray's technique. Took a couple of goes to get the process down right, but all have some curves early in the trunk, and a mix of small, medium and medium large branches too, so I can see which take better. Thanks again for the e-books Ray, really helpful.

[Ray M]

Hi Jake,
Good on you mate, look forward to see how they go. Please keep us updated with your results. Looks like you are doing some good size branches.

I'll do a couple more at the end of October (hopefully as I am cutting off 5 new trees ) to do the comparison.

Don't cut them off to early. Just keep checking the root growth, when you see substantial roots forming that would be the time to remove.

Regards Ray

[GreenThumb]

Hi Jake,
Good on you mate, look forward to see how they go. Please keep us updated with your results. Looks like you are doing some good size branches.

I'll do a couple more at the end of October (hopefully as I am cutting off 5 new trees ) to do the comparison.

Don't cut them off to early. Just keep checking the root growth, when you see substantial roots forming that would be the time to remove.

Regards Ray

Thanks Ray. Assuming this all goes to plan, there is some substantial branching above some of the layering. I am assuming I can prune this right down at the same time I am cutting off the new trees? It seems logical to do so, there is no chance new roots will be able to support all the growth above, but would appreciate any thoughts on pruning in this context.

Cheers

J

[fredman]

Good for you GreenThumb. Very exiting times. I have done a few Maple layers too and still waiting for other trees to swell their buds (move their butts)
Interresting I layered the same tree that I layered last year (Acer palmatum 'katsura') again. Last year with my ordinary layer technique it took 5 months before it had sufficient roots to be removed. This year I used RayM's "super" method. It will be interesting to see how long it takes this time round.....

[Ray M]

Hi Jake,

Thanks Ray. Assuming this all goes to plan, there is some substantial branching above some of the layering. I am assuming I can prune this right down at the same time I am cutting off the new trees? It seems logical to do so, there is no chance new roots will be able to support all the growth above, but would appreciate any thoughts on pruning in this context.

This will be about a 3 month project. Looking at your photos, showing the layers, it appears that you have several branches above your layers. When the tree shows some good growth above the layers you could reduce the branch in several stages. Don't forget there needs to be at least one branch and foliage above the layer. (Check your Elm book on multiple layers on the same trunk.) Doing it in stages will reduce the shock on the new tree when removed.

Regards Ray

[GreenThumb]

Hi Jake,

Thanks Ray. Assuming this all goes to plan, there is some substantial branching above some of the layering. I am assuming I can prune this right down at the same time I am cutting off the new trees? It seems logical to do so, there is no chance new roots will be able to support all the growth above, but would appreciate any thoughts on pruning in this context.

This will be about a 3 month project. Looking at your photos, showing the layers, it appears that you have several branches above your layers. When the tree shows some good growth above the layers you could reduce the branch in several stages. Don't forget there needs to be at least one branch and foliage above the layer. (Check your Elm book on multiple layers on the same trunk.) Doing it in stages will reduce the shock on the new tree when removed.

Regards Ray

Brilliant, thanks!

J

[GreenThumb]

Just a quick update, I checked the air layers in progress this morning, one has some good thick roots sprouting, all the others have lots of proto root nodules as they did last month but still no feeders. As this is my first time round the air layering block, just wanted to check if I should add another application of rooting hormone to the proto roots or just give a little more seasol and be patient.

Thanks

J

[kcpoole]

If you can add hormone by Squirting it in without disturbing the wrap is the best way.

Ken

[Ray M]

Just a quick update, I checked the air layers in progress this morning, one has some good thick roots sprouting, all the others have lots of proto root nodules as they did last month but still no feeders. As this is my first time round the air layering block, just wanted to check if I should add another application of rooting hormone to the proto roots or just give a little more seasol and be patient.

Thanks

J

Hi Jake,
First thing, so good to hear that one of the layers is showing good roots.
Just a couple of questions before suggesting anything.
Did you use the wire under the top cut?
You mention, " all the others have lots of proto root nodules". How are you able to see these? I would have thought they would have been hidden under the sphagnum, around the top cut.
If you could take a photo that would be very helpful.

Regards Ray

[GreenThumb]

Thanks Ray, no, I didn't do the wire unfortunately. You can see them when you open the bag, which sounds like it is definitely not a good idea from your question- no roots apparent in the sphagnum moss though, I was careful in checking them out. I'll take a photo of one tomorrow, a couple are starting to get a little dry so they need some more seasol anyway, but they are consistent with the proto roots of other pics on here. Positively there isn't any mould or fungus etc so seem to have the right balance of moisture so far.

[GreenThumb]

Sorry for the delay, busy in the lead up to xmas. However, when I went to take some pictures, I found that the roots are popping hard and fast now on a number of them, clearly patience and faith was all that was needed (and a little seasol top up )

[Ray M]

Sorry for the delay, busy in the lead up to xmas. However, when I went to take some pictures, I found that the roots are popping hard and fast now on a number of them, clearly patience and faith was all that was needed (and a little seasol top up )

Hi Jake,
That's really good news. Let them get some more roots before taking off. Looks very promising. Keep us updated as things progress.

Regards Ray

[fredman]

Love it when a plan comes together

[GreenThumb]

First tree cut today, really healthy looking root system, looking promising. I'll trim the trunk down to the top leader in a couple of months once it has settled in the pot. The others are about a fortnight behind.