Air layer spruce question

[Rare plant Pat]

Has anyone successfully air layered a spruce? I have a nice white spruce that I would like to take a few good layers off, but haven't been able to find any info on chances of success.

[treeman]

Yes they layer quite well. Use the wire tourniquet method with sphag moss.

[Rare plant Pat]

Thanks Mike,

for the tourniquet how deep would you let the wire cut in? So the wire is level with the surface of the bark? What's your experience of how long they take to put out roots?

[treeman]

Thanks Mike,

for the tourniquet how deep would you let the wire cut in? So the wire is level with the surface of the bark? What's your experience of how long they take to put out roots?

No not that deep. Until about half the wire is embedded into the stem.
Depends on the age and vigor of the tree but you should have something by the end of summer if all goes to plan.
Layering at a site with mature bark is problematic. Also if you choose a place where there multiple branches coming from the same point, it will be easier to root.

[Rare plant Pat]

Thanks,

it's a spruce, so I should have lots of whorl sites. I'll get something on this weekend.

[Rare plant Pat]

After the best part of a year I've just taken a few air layer attempts off to take a look after using the tourniquet method.

All I have is substantial swellings above the wire. I intend to reapply as the plastic was degrading in the UV.

Any thoughts on whether to just re-apply and wait or would wounding the callus above the wire help or hinder?

[Watto]

If it was mine I would wound the callus, apply rooting hormone and wrap it up again. I find spruce slow in everything they do.

[Rare plant Pat]

Thanks Watto