Chinese elm Mallsai in progress ;)

That's a good tip. Over here in the UK you can buy clear plastic pots that are made specially for air layering (they have a kind of "hinge" mechanism to let them open), but whether they are any more effective than any of the methods already mentioned in this thread is debatable.

Hey Billy would you recommend removing those branches prior to the air layer and let them heal first or remove and layer right after it just below the branch location? Thanks-Mario

akhater wrote:What I usually do is use an empty plastic water bottle instead of the pot since it is transparent and then I cover it all with a black plastic bag.

advantages: 1. it is easier to keep the moss in place 2. you can easily check for roots anytime you want

Hmmmmmm that is a good idea....

dadshouse wrote:Hey Billy would you recommend removing those branches prior to the air layer and let them heal first or remove and layer right after it just below the branch location? Thanks-Mario

I think it would be easier to get the layer cut made and whatever wrapping you select with the branches gone, I wouldn't worry about letting them heal.

Mario,
You may even use the junction where those branches meet the trunk as the rooting point for the layer. There is usually a bit of trunk flare where the branches emerge.

Todd

DreadyKGB wrote:Mario,
You may even use the junction where those branches meet the trunk as the rooting point for the layer. There is usually a bit of trunk flare where the branches emerge.

Todd

That's what i am planning now. Im off wednesday so i will start it then. Also picked up a Kiyohime maple to work on. I love spring

Wow what a busy week and also working the weekend but i am going to start the airlayer either sat. Or sun. Have everything I need together so it shouldnt take to long. Even sharpened up my pocket knife.

[img] hosting images[/img] Time to start

[img] upload pictures[/img]

Now its time to wait [img] picture hosting[/img]

Now that i have air layered should I continue to fertilize as normal? Thanks

Yes! Vigorous top growth will only help the process.

For reference...I layered a Chinese elm (cork bark type) last year. Branch thickness was about 1" or a little more. I put the layer on in late May and had enough roots to separate it by early August. They tend to root quickly and aggressively.

coh wrote:Yes! Vigorous top growth will only help the process.

For reference...I layered a Chinese elm (cork bark type) last year. Branch thickness was about 1" or a little more. I put the layer on in late May and had enough roots to separate it by early August. They tend to root quickly and aggressively.

Awesome Chris thanks

Wow there is all kinds of new growth at the top since I air layered it so I guess its thriving and haven't damaged her so far

Hi Dadshouse,
Its been over a year now...
Any updates on how the airlayer went and what happened afterwards?

Unfortunately he hasn't been seen since last year, so I'm doubtful of a reply