Air layering a Trident Maple

[legoman_iac]

Update: just added a bunch (approx 50%) more sphag moss and covered up the lower part. Have compressed it as much as I can with stil la little cushioning/room to move. Image below of moss v3.0.



Thanks again for all the input. Hopefully now with the bridge gone and more moss I'll start to get some roots developing.

- Daniel

[Ray M]

Hi Daniel,
Sorry I haven't been able to respond sooner. I've been away at a funeral. I hope the layer will work for you now. Did you re-cut any of the callus?

Regards Ray

[legoman_iac]

Hi Ray,

No need to apologise, sorry to hear it.

I had cut away the bridged callus the other day. How long should I wait do you think for root development?

- Daniel

[Ray M]

Hi Ray,

No need to apologise, sorry to hear it.

I had cut away the bridged callus the other day. How long should I wait do you think for root development?

- Daniel

Hi Daniel,
That is a very difficult question. There are many factors that will influence roots appearing. Because the layer has callused, this may slow down root development. The weather and season will have an effect. The only way to know when to remove the layer is when you see enough root mass. The following photo will show how many roots grew with this layer.

Image1-2.jpg

Regards Ray

[legoman_iac]

Thanks for the photo Ray, so it's like "how long is a piece of string?", haha. OK, will keep an eye on it and see how it goes.

- Daniel

[legoman_iac]

Hey all,

I've removed the weeds, no sign of any bugs or critters and just this morning measured the water poured vs drained, seems equal like it's all passing straight through. Also, never noticed before but as i collected it I noticed the water was not clear, more like clear apple juice. It's that another sign of anything nasty?

- Daniel

[Ray M]

Hey all,

I've removed the weeds, no sign of any bugs or critters and just this morning measured the water poured vs drained, seems equal like it's all passing straight through. Also, never noticed before but as i collected it I noticed the water was not clear, more like clear apple juice. It's that another sign of anything nasty?

- Daniel

Hi Daniel,
I don't think so. If you did this soon after weeding, you would have disturbed some of the soil, which may account for the colour. Also if you have fertilizer on the soil, that can colour the water.

Regards Ray

[legoman_iac]

Thanks Ray, good to know it sounds normal.

[legoman_iac]

Sorry, not sure what planet I was on when I posted about removing the weed ... that was meant for another thread.

Leaving the layer for a few weeks until I (hopefully) see some roots.

- Daniel

[Ray M]

Sorry, not sure what planet I was on when I posted about removing the weed ... that was meant for another thread.

Leaving the layer for a few weeks until I (hopefully) see some roots.

- Daniel

Hi Daniel,
The weather has cooled down and so will the growth. You may be looking at several months. Patience is the name of the game. Make sure there is a good root mass before removing the layer.

Regards Ray

[legoman_iac]

Thanks for the approx time frame Ray. Few months of doing nothing? Can do. Theta no rush to remove it, just wasn't sure I'd be able to see the roots. Also not sure I've totally removed the bridged callus. Maybe end of April I'll remove the moss and check it out again.

- Daniel

[Ray M]

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for the approx time frame Ray. Few months of doing nothing? Can do. Theta no rush to remove it, just wasn't sure I'd be able to see the roots. Also not sure I've totally removed the bridged callus. Maybe end of April I'll remove the moss and check it out again. I wouldn't do that. You will most probably break any new roots. It really is a patience game. As mentioned above, the weather is cooling off quite quickly now and the tree will slow down in it's growth. I would be looking at two months at this time of year. If you see some roots after a couple of months, don't be to anxious to remove the layer until you see a good root mass. Have another look at the photo in the post, March 19.
- Daniel

Regards Ray

[legoman_iac]

Hey Ray, how will I know if I have another bridged callus though?

[Ray M]

Hey Ray, how will I know if I have another bridged callus though?

Hi Daniel,
If this is a concern you still need to leave it until the end of April. If the layer was okay there may be some sign of roots. This is a difficult one. If there are any roots they will most probably get damaged. If you can see any sign of healing because of bridging, you will have to do the layer again. The layer will most probably have to stay until Spring before you will have sufficient roots to remove the layer.

Regards Ray

[legoman_iac]

Thanks Ray, makes sense. Will do my best not to disturb the moss/roots.