Mt. Laurel

We have a beautiful Mt Laurel tree in my back yard. We used to have two, (one wild and one bought) and the one we bought died. (That was a ton of money tossed out the window.) So now my mom and dad want to get rid of this one because it is dangerously close to the pool. But I want to get a clipping or something before they actually get rid of it. So...

Is it possible to bonsify a Mt Laurel tree?

If so, could you get a clipping, or seed, or air-layer.... Which would work best?

Everything I have heard people say about (collected indigenous) Mountain Laurel: they do not like their roots disturbed; many die after being collected. Try to get as large of a root ball as you can. I have seen a few Mt.Laurel bonsai, and they were all medium size trees. I would think you could gradually dig part of it, place a peaty soil in the area where you dug to encourage new root growth. Do this over a period of two to three years, and you might be successful.
I am curious by your description of "dangerously close to the pool..." Mt. Laurels are slow growing. Why is it "dangerously close"?
Clippings (cuttings to root) will do best if collected late Winter/early Spring. Keep them warm, moist. Don't let them freeze. If they are wanting to dig it up now, get as large aroot ball as you can and plant it in the ground in a protected place and pray!
I'm sure there are some more experienced growers who will give you some tips. Good Luck. Sorry you lost one.
Todd

Don't get caught collecting them in Connecticut! If I remember correctly, it's the Connecticut State (Flower/Shrub?)

Jay

By dangerously close I meant that it was rather large and it is right next to the retaining wall and fence. And this is the one my mom didn't like...

But also, where are the seeds? I know where they should be but I can't find them... Do Mountain Laurels have the male and female thing too?

Fortunately, I don't live in Connecticut. (: Though it is PA's state plant too.

Thanks for your answers so far!

EDIT: The seeds come out in the spring so I am told, so no wonder I can't find them anymore!

[quote="NemusStipes"]... Do Mountain Laurels have the male and female thing too? quote]

Male and female "things" are in the same flower.

Cuttings are extremely difficult. Seeds should be sown directly onto a peaty soil. Branches can be easily ground layered by holding them to the ground with a brick or a rock, like an azalea. Disconnecting a rooted branch is another story.

I think many collected Mountain Laurels die because they are kept too wet. They have a shallow root system like an azalea, but they're a lot pickier about how they're treated. Change in their environment can be deadly.

Russell