AusBonsai

Evening Folks,

I need some help with identifying this tree. Its in our backyard and on our "removal" list as its is too large and causing some issues with house foundations/paths, but I wanted to do an air layer on it first. This was an older sapling size when we moved in 16 yrs ago. I think the sellers just planted it to fill the space for sale.

Hi FruitFly , Looks like an American Hop Hornbeam - Ostrya Virginiana to me .

Cheers .Alpineart

A Hornbeam for sure. Great bark.
Cheers
Kirky

It does have great bark Kirky, thats why I'd like to do an air layer to keep. Problem is, all the branches are way above head height so it will be a ladder job or maybe I'll have hubby set up some scaffold he has stored away.

Quick question about air layer. How long should I have it in place before cutting off, 6 or 12 months. If it is too long, I might have to go the way of cuttings instead. There is no set date to the tree removal as yet, but I think hubby wants it gone within the next 6 months.

Thanks guys

Roots from air layers depends on a lot of factors but you can usually get good roots over summer, sometimes just 2 or 3 months if everything is good. You could try some cuttings at the same time - just in case but these root easier in winter when there are no leaves.

Thanks for the reply Shibui. So I might be in for a challenge with the air layer at this time of year, but I'll go ahead and try anyway. I'll do some cuttings as well.

As spring is around the corner, I was wondering if anyone had any tips for grown these from seed. This tree does produce an abundance of seed pods and as well as trying an air layer this season, I thought I'd attempt growing from seed as well.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Gail

Several sites I have looked at say that hornbeam germination is unpredictable and low rates are common. http://www.whiteoaknursery.biz/seed_pro ... iana.shtml
Stratification is the easiest treatment by all accounts and in Canberra you have ideal conditions for natural stratification. Sow seeds in pots or trays and leave them outside in the frost over winter. Seed will germinate in spring. Just watch out that rats, mice, birds and small children don't try to help.

Removing the seed coat can improve germination but that's pretty fiddly. You may be able to cut a corner off the outer shell with nail clippers. That should be enough to get them started.
Breaking the seed coat and stratifying in cold will give even better germination.

Thanks Neil. Definitely will have to do a few air layers then as well.


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