AusBonsai

Hi All ,
I recently checked on a ground layer I have done on a Pin Oak last year. This was the second attempt as the first year it bridged. I added a large copper wire on this attempt ,unfortunately it did not put out any roots but the growth at the base got bigger and fatter, there was no bridge formed. I am confused to where I should go from here I have been growing a branch with the intention of doing a thread graft in the vacant right side.
However my preferred option would be to cut off all the branches as I am not happy with placement, size and direction. There are buds popping all-over at the moment, but with the lack of roots I am a little hesitant to go down this path.
Any advice would be gratefully appreciated
Regards John

That is a nice fat base. Now to get some roots forming around the widest part.
I reckon the tree hasn't put out any roots because its trying to close the gap and its nearly there.
If it were mine i would use the toothpick method around the edge of that swell and also remove as much bark as possable on the lower section. Maybe try an air layer this time coz the problem with ground layers is that you can't see whats happening or when it's ready to remove . Also the ground layer is much harder to remove without disturbing the new roots during the growing season. Remove surface soil to allow access to remove more bark.
Good luck

Paul

Hi Paul , Thanks for the feedback ,great idea useing the toothpick method. I am thinking since it put on a lot of growth without forming a bridge last season it can survive being cut from original base.it will make it easy to handle ,smaller pot and I can kind of do a layer around it ,with some toothpicks thrown in for good luck. Cheers John.

I'd be a bit hesitant to cut it off.

When you remove the bark for a layer you need to remove the cambium as well (the thin green layer between the bark and the wood). This produces the new wood on the inside and the bark on the outside. If its left on the tree will just create new bark and heal over the cut.

A little botany may help you understand the process you are trying to do. Water from the roots travels up the new wood taking nutrients with it to the leaves of the plants. It is then used for photosynthesis and the energy from this is then passed down the tree to be used with the nutrients to create new cells. This downward movement is in the inside layer of bark just outside the cambium layer. When you remove this, the tree cannot send the energy back down to the roots and so when it reaches the area that you have cut it creates new roots.

So at the moment the tree is receiving water and nutrient from the old roots. If you cut them off you will rely on the stored energy and nutrients in the tree to create the roots as you do when making a cutting. I think at this time of year without under bench heating and a very humid environment you will just kill the tree.

Hi Dansai, Cheers for the info ,you are right in what you are saying. . Still have plenty of time so will take a deep breath and approach with a level head...Thanks John.