I will be airlayering a Japanese Maple in the Spring with the intention of chopping if from the trunk after the root ball has developed sufficiently. How long should it take for the root ball to develop in the air layer and what is the best tool to separate the two sections?
I'm also thinking of doing a trunk chop/airlayer to a ficus and wanted to know if there is an ideal time for this and what precautionary measures if any are needed? And tool for separation?
Thanx
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maveriiick
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maveriiick
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maveriiick
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What kind of timeline am I looking at? what months to begin most likely and when to anticipate separation of upper layer?Gnome wrote:maveriiick,
I have always done layers after the new leaves have emerged and hardened off a bit. I prefer to use a saw to remove the layer, loppers might be OK too if the trunk is not too thick.
Norm
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maveriiick
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Bump on previous query and:maveriiick wrote:What kind of timeline am I looking at? what months to begin most likely and when to anticipate separation of upper layer?Gnome wrote:maveriiick,
I have always done layers after the new leaves have emerged and hardened off a bit. I prefer to use a saw to remove the layer, loppers might be OK too if the trunk is not too thick.
Norm
What is the best tool for trunk chop? A Saw? What kind and is there anything I should be looking for in particular? Any recommends on brand/make?
Thanks
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Gnome
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maveriiick,
https://www.silkysaws.com/Silky-Hand-Saws/Silky-Folding-Hand-Saws/POCKETBOY-130-Fine-Teeth
The brand name may be different but it should have relatively fine teeth and be very sharp. Mine cuts on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke. You should be able to find something locally.
Make sure to get some rooting hormone too while you are gathering your supplies.
Norm
As I mentioned previously, after the leaves are well formed is when I do mine, but don't wait too long. This gives you enough time to (hopefully) complete the process in one season. Probably around early May but play it by ear.What kind of timeline am I looking at? what months to begin most likely
Marsman suggests 3-4 months, but again you have to check to make sure there are sufficient roots to support the layer before you separate it.and when to anticipate separation of upper layer?
I use something similar to this:What is the best tool for trunk chop? A Saw? What kind and is there anything I should be looking for in particular? Any recommends on brand/make?
https://www.silkysaws.com/Silky-Hand-Saws/Silky-Folding-Hand-Saws/POCKETBOY-130-Fine-Teeth
The brand name may be different but it should have relatively fine teeth and be very sharp. Mine cuts on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke. You should be able to find something locally.
Make sure to get some rooting hormone too while you are gathering your supplies.
Norm
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maveriiick
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Maveriiick,
We do dozens of layers every year, and here are a few tips.
In order to promote the growth of new roots, let the tree grow vigorously. Full sun, fertilizer, etc.
We've had some customers/students very disappointed in the results of their layer attempts because they tried to maintain their trees in bonsai show form while trying to grow the new roots. Let the leaders grow unpruned.
On timing: If you start the process in the spring, and then do the separation 4-5 months later, you will find yourself going into winter with new tender roots. That's ok if you have protection for the tree. As a matter of efficiency, we usually start layers in the spring and plan to separate the following spring.
Good luck,
Chris
We do dozens of layers every year, and here are a few tips.
In order to promote the growth of new roots, let the tree grow vigorously. Full sun, fertilizer, etc.
We've had some customers/students very disappointed in the results of their layer attempts because they tried to maintain their trees in bonsai show form while trying to grow the new roots. Let the leaders grow unpruned.
On timing: If you start the process in the spring, and then do the separation 4-5 months later, you will find yourself going into winter with new tender roots. That's ok if you have protection for the tree. As a matter of efficiency, we usually start layers in the spring and plan to separate the following spring.
Good luck,
Chris
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maveriiick
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May I ask what growth medium you use? Peat moss? Potting soil (slow drainage)? Bonsai soil (fast drainage)? A mix?capnk wrote:Maveriiick,
We do dozens of layers every year, and here are a few tips.
In order to promote the growth of new roots, let the tree grow vigorously. Full sun, fertilizer, etc.
We've had some customers/students very disappointed in the results of their layer attempts because they tried to maintain their trees in bonsai show form while trying to grow the new roots. Let the leaders grow unpruned.
On timing: If you start the process in the spring, and then do the separation 4-5 months later, you will find yourself going into winter with new tender roots. That's ok if you have protection for the tree. As a matter of efficiency, we usually start layers in the spring and plan to separate the following spring.
Good luck,
Chris
Thanx
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maveriiick
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