When is it safe to remove air-layers?

I put on quite a few air-layers in early spring. I ringed the bark completely, used sphagnum moss, plastic sheeting, and electrical tape. I am starting to see roots through the plastic. My question is: Should I wait till fall or pot them up right now? Should I wait till the roots are pushing out of the plastic?
-PT

If you see the roots through the bag you should pot them up now so they have time to establish in the pot before the winter. That is what I am planning on doing with the air layers I have done except I have not seen any roots yet? Hope I did it right.

I always wait until I am sure the roots have nearly filled the bag. Just seeing them on the outer part of the bag or on the underside may be deceptive. I've done this in the past and found very few roots. The tree made it, but it was very weak.

I'd say leave until the bag is full, however long that is.

I agree completely with Neil. In your area, I'd leave the layers in place until late August. Then cut them off and plant, sphagnum and all in plastic nursery pots. Give them protection in winter.

Thanks for correcting me all, everything I have read said nothing of waiting for the bag to be full of roots but that it was more important to get it established for the winter. When I did it in the past things have survived and done well but perhaps they could do better this way. Thanks again

Well, it's always better to wait -- on cuttings and layers -- until you have a LOT of roots. In either case, the roots are VERY tender and the slightest jostling after they are separated or transplanted can destroy the effort. You can always move them somewhere for winter protection if you live in a very cold area.

Thanks for the replies. I'm moving to North Carolina in December and as of yet don't have anywhere to winter my trees. These airlayers are on desert hackberry and I'm sure they won't survive the cold, wet NC winters. Does anyone have any suggestions?
-PT

Is it possible for you to enlist the help of a local bonsai friend to hold onto them for you for the winter? Move them to NC after after winter and after they've begun to grow well.

Just a thought.

Thanks, but now I'm thinking along the lines of building a quick cold frame when I get there.

Jim Doiron wrote:Thanks for correcting me all, everything I have read said nothing of waiting for the bag to be full of roots but that it was more important to get it established for the winter. When I did it in the past things have survived and done well but perhaps they could do better this way. Thanks again

I think it makes good sense to have more roots than less. Consider the possible loss of roots during separation and potting. Consider also that the tree will now be dependent on whatever roots it has available. In both cases it's better to have more roots than not.

Good luck with your move Preston.

Ed

Guess you didn't see my PM. Where are you moving to in NC, Preston?