Air layer questions

[JPG]

Hi all

A couple of questions regarding air layers. Firstly, I have a sir layer on a Lilly pilly. The trunk where it is layered is about 50mm thick. I'm starting to see a couple of roots coming through the sphagnum moss. When should I remove the layer? I read that when you see roots it is about time to remove it but I'm not sure if there are enough roots to support the tree once removed. Should I wait until there are lots more roots showing?

Also, when I remove it, do you have to get rid of all the sphagnum moss or can you just leave it? I dont want to damage any roots trying to remove the moss. I found the roots very fragile when I originally dug the tree from the garden.

Thanks

[Truth]

I'm about to take my first lot of air-layers off in a few weeks/months too. From what i've read, this seems to be the common advice:

-Don't remove the layer when you merely see signs of root, wait until the bag or pot is bursting or overflowing with roots to ensure it can support the tree.
-It's up to you to leave the sphagnum on or not. It will make proper watering frequency difficult, however if you place the removed layer in a bucket of water + seasol after it's removed, most of the moss will gently fall away just leaving the roots.
-It's generally a good idea to reduce some of the foliage mass after removal. How much depends on how large the layer is, how many roots/how large your root mass is, species of tree etc. Aim for around 25% and you'll probably be safe, no more than 50% as you need the foliage to generate energy for the newly removed layer and generate real root mass for itself.
-Planting in the ground is the safest bet, but if it's going into a pot, keep it in a mostly shady spot before you start re-introducing it to light.
-Don't fertilise until a month or so after removal, keep it light so as not to burn any of the newer more fragile roots
-Don't be tempted to do any rootwork immediately after removal, wait until it's finished the growing season.

Hope you enjoy your new material! All the best

[Ray M]

Hi JPG,

Hi all

A couple of questions regarding air layers. Firstly, I have a sir layer on a Lilly pilly. The trunk where it is layered is about 50mm thick. I'm starting to see a couple of roots coming through the sphagnum moss. When should I remove the layer? I read that when you see roots it is about time to remove it but I'm not sure if there are enough roots to support the tree once removed. Should I wait until there are lots more roots showing?
Don't be to quick to remove the layer. The roots will increase in volume quite quickly at this time of year. Have a look at the number of roots in this thread. Air Layering a Wisteria
Also, when I remove it, do you have to get rid of all the sphagnum moss or can you just leave it? I dont want to damage any roots trying to remove the moss. I found the roots very fragile when I originally dug the tree from the garden. You will find that the roots in a layer are very fragile. You can plant the layer as is with the sphagnum attached. Just remove the covering etc from the layer and plant it. As the roots and tree mature, and it becomes time to repot, you will be able to choose the roots you want and the sphagnum will came away with each new repotting.

Thanks

Regards Ray

[JPG]

Thanks

I'll leave the layer on for a bit longer till more roots show. I might also reduce the foliage a bit above the layer.

[Truth]

Thanks

I'll leave the layer on for a bit longer till more roots show. I might also reduce the foliage a bit above the layer.

Reduce the foliage after you've removed the layer from the donor tree. You need all the foliage now to generate the new roots, they're responsible for harnessing sunlight and creating energy for the roots at this stage.

[bonsai_beginner]

This is very helpful. I also have a few layers on some trees and this advice really helped solidify what I have to do

Thanks


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[KIRKY]

Hi,
Looking to do a few air layering projects this season. I have read pretty much everything I can find on the subject but I still have a few questions.
1. With regards to the wire do you use the wire first to ring bark and the cut above and below wire. Or do you cut first remove bark cambium layer etc... And then put the wire on just under cut where you are expecting the roots to form?
2. Has anyone successfully air layered a Prunus Spinosa. I have been told that they wont air layer, is this true? I have old wood poss 4 year old branch just over pencil thickness nice black bark and also some still young green 1-2 year old branches on it that I want to air layer has anyone had any problems with old versus young branches?
3. I also want to try some Maples what is the largest thickness of branch that anyone has tried? The branches I am looking to do range from say garden hose to bannana width.
Cheers

[Elmar]

1. Cut the bark/cambium, then with some species use a wire to stop 'bridging' and reconnection which stops root formation.
2. Don't have one.
3. Go for it, don't think there's a size limit, just some sizes work better/faster than others. Pencil thickness seems to be the size of choice for cuttings and rooting hormone but airlayers, as far as I know have no limit...

Do a search in the forums, a young bloke by the name of Ray M. has done extensive research and has put together a couple of booklets which are dead easy to follow (even for me!). They should help you overcome most queries. And, most importantly, go out and DO it!

Good luck, sorry for the summarized answers.


Cheers
Elmar

[KIRKY]

Thanks Elmar, I know I should just do it..... I tried a few years ago on a Persimmon and it didn't work lost all 3 branches that I tried. Used one of those tools to cut the bark. But I didn't strip back far enough into heart wood. Also I was leaving it on for a season and the 48 degree day and hot northerly probably didn't help. So a bit gun shy don't want to loose what I want to air layer thats why this time I'm reading, reading, reading.
Thanks n cheers