AusBonsai

Hi Folks

I would like some advice please on Multi Air layering.

Correct me if I am wrong; if you tried to layer in two places on the same trunk line it wouldn't work. However if you air layered on the main trunk and a side branch, as long as there were leaves above the cut on each, then this would be o'k.

Have I got it right?

Fred

Your half right & right...

Each layer needs its own foliage to feed the growth of roots. You can do multiple layers on different branches of the same tree or even along a single branch/trunkline, if there is no growth between the first & second layer it is best to do the first then wait for regrowth before doing the second.

Hi Fred , mate i have multi layered Pines , Zelkova and Maples . In the topic "Multi layered Zelkova" notice the foliage is one sided , this i had no option . All the layers calloused up but from memory only 2 threw roots out . I did pot up all 3 layers and i think they all grew on . I sure it would be better to have foliage in different area's around the trunk as with this Zelkova i believe the upper layers took the nutrient flow away from the lower layer as the one sided foliage was basically in a direct line . Hope this helps .

Cheers Alpineart

Hi Matta and Alpineart

So I was right. In my post it was implied that there were no leaves between the two layers.

I have a maple I would like you to look over and suggest how many and where I should layer. I realise that I will have to wait for a second round to reduce the main trunk to an acceptable height.

The photos are a front and back.
Fred

Hi Fred , mate if it was mine i would set 1 layer at the height of the key hole on the roller door {second pic} leaving all the branches in place regardless of thickness as this will give added growth for the new roots . This would give you a very nice multi trunk or clump style Japanese Maple . That would allow for a new leader from the first main branch below the suggested layer sight . This tree is still only a youngster so multi layering to me wouldn't be worth the effort .

With a single layer to create a clump style and still have a strong leader and setting the layer should create some good back budding lower down the trunk . Next season i would look at it again then make another choice as to sever the entire top off utilizing only the base or layering the new apex including some of the older original trunk to create i nice informal upright with a good taper . The new leader below the suggested graft could be pre- trained and trimmed while the layer is taking root .

Hope this helps .

Cheers Alpine

Normally I would agree with Alpine that its not worth layering, but, I know you have trouble finding maples over there so I would definitely make the effort. I did a quick flick across your pic showing where I would layer. Like Alpine I see a nice multitrunk in the top, with another layer just below it making use of the rest of the branching (both marked in black). The orange line would be a 3rd layer next season and you could also then layer off some of the excess length in the first lot of layers, very quickly building up your maple numbers...

Like Matt has said, Take the 2 this year, then see what you have available to take again the nest year.
If you want to layer off the branches from you future top sections, I will do it this year as well ( Or just cut them back now and use as cuttings).

Ken

Hi Alpine, Ken and Matt

Thanks for your advice. I will put in place two air layers as soon as the tree leafs up.

Fred