Air layer an old apple tree?

is it possible to air layer from an old apple tree?

the tree has been shaped with a cloud top and well looked after

I have just noticed its blossom and immediately thought this must be some sort of apple.


so the question is if i can get a couple of 1inch branches off with an air layer?

any advise please?


thanks

Oughta work, if you have access to maintain the layer while you wait.

Yes i do

What size branches to take and when? After flower comes?

As soon as it starts to leaf out.

As a newbie I don't think I understand all of this convo. I thought air layering was for roots? Are you asking if you can graft branches there? And what does blooming have to do with this?

air layer is to to make a branch root and then cut it off

So when the3 OP asks if he can get a couple 1" branches off he means he would do 2 air layers and then cut the tree into 3 trees? A dual air layer? but why did flowering trigger him to want to do this?

Marc74, the OP will have to answer your why question. I suspect he is air layering of 2 or more separate branches, one air layer per branch.

I have seen very large, 4, or even 6 inch diameter branches get air layered off large trees. It may take more time, with larger, older branches, and with pines it can take more than one year to form enough roots to support the branch, but apples should be relatively easy to air layer in a single season. Even large diameter branches should root in one season. Waiting until after flowering and initial leaves expanding is beneficial as during early spring leaf expansion water demand is at its peak for the branch. I think anytime after flowering is finished would be a good time to start an air layer. Don't wait too long to start your air layer, in middle of the summer there might not be enough time to grow roots before autumn, so late spring, early summer is best timing for starting air layers. I haven't personally done apple, but I have done maples and Japanese black pines. Few pines air layer at all, and JBP will often take 2 seasons to be successful, at least in my zone 5b growing area. In warmer climates with longer growing seasons, JBP might root the first summer. Many, many species of trees will air layer, it is a technique that can be used for most species used for bonsai.

Hope this helps.

Couple as in several air layers.

Old large tree which has fantastic cloud pruning but i feel i can take 1 or 2 branches off without disturbing the aesthetics of the tree.

Few weeks and I'll decide and start

Pics to follow in future

Thanks