airlayering a eucalyptus

[peterb]

september 2014 060.jpg

Hi All
thought i would show what i'm attempting to do , this is a eucalyptus calycogna ( gooseberry mallee ) in my garden we are going to get rid of it , so i thought i would try to layer it . As you can see it has a very large inverse taper below the first lignotuber ( at least that's what i think it is ) so decided to layer at the thickest part. I followed Ray's method for tridents but found it very difficult to get the wire right up against the top cut because of all those little bumps, they also made it very hard to get the bark and cambium off . It was when i tried to get the muck to stick that things went a bit pear shape , it just wouldn't stick so got it on as best i could and wrapped with spaghnum . Well here's hoping for the best
regards
peterb

[shibui]

Well done for making the attempt Peter. It is by people like you trying different techniques and sharing the process and results that we learn so much.
Thanks mate and keep us informed of any progress or lack of it.

[Elmar]

Nothing ventured Nothing gained!

At worst, you're getting rid of it without getting a tree out of it and some experience, at best, you would have gained some experience in Air-Layering AND a tree!

Looking forward to the outcome! Keep on

[peterb]

thanks for the encouragement guys, hope it's succesful
regards
peterb

[hugh grant]

thanks for the encouragement guys, hope it's succesful
regards
peterb

I hope it is too Peter, if so this could very well aid in more successful attempts at collecting of eucalypts.
Im excited !

[Ray M]

Hi Peter,
This is going to be a very interesting one mate. Good on you for giving this a go. The area you are layering sure smacks of Mallee with all those lumps. In a situation like this don't be afraid to remove all those lumps, you won't hurt the hardwood. When I'm doing a layer that has a branch coming out of where the layer is taking place I will use a knob cutter and cut right back into the hardwood. You could use a knob cutter, Dremel, Die Grinder or even an Angle grinder, to remove the lumps. If you ever use an Angle grinder only apply light pressure so that you don't burn the wood. Always make sure the top cut is clean after doing any work with power tools.

Throw a bucket of Seasol in the hole at the base of the trunk. Looking forward to see how this goes. Remember what I mentioned to you before, be patient. My Eucalyptus layer took much longer than other species. Just keep checking for roots until you see a substantial root ball.

Regards Ray

[peterb]

Hi Ray
thanks for the advice there , should i open it and redo the layer cutting off those knobs or should i just leave it be Ray, as i say i just couldn't get the muck to stick on and eventually held it in place with a wad of spaghnum and wrapped it up
regards
peterb

[Ray M]

Hi Ray
thanks for the advice there , should i open it and redo the layer cutting off those knobs or should i just leave it be Ray, as i say i just couldn't get the muck to stick on and eventually held it in place with a wad of spaghnum and wrapped it up
regards
peterb

Hi Peter,
I think it would be best to just leave it and see how it goes. Keep an eye on the health of the tree above the layer. Let us know how it continues to respond.

Regards Ray