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Hi Joseph,

Yes there is a functional reason for leaving a bridge or bridges beween the bark when airlayering. Some species (like Japanese maples) will tolerate complete ring barking, where the bark is removed all the way down to the heartwood, dusted with hormone powder and wrapped with moss. As a general rule this method works best on deciduous trees.

Other species (like pines for example) won't tolerate such radical damage to the trunk and so the wire tourniquet method is used. As the trunk swells, the wire gradually cuts deeper and deeper, until it causes difficulties for the tree sending food energy from the leaves to the roots, forcing it to put out new ones.

The slither bark method you mention is a medium between the two, with the bridges left intact, supplying nutrients back and forth. The slither technique can be used on those deciduous trees that don't respond to the ring bark method, and also can be used for pines too.

Hope that helps.

All the best,

Aaron

__________________
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode

Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores!

"A fox may change its skin but never its character"

3-Feb-2006	#2
Aaron_K bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Mar-2004 Country: England USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,477	Hi Joseph, Yes there is a functional reason for leaving a bridge or bridges beween the bark when airlayering. Some species (like Japanese maples) will tolerate complete ring barking, where the bark is removed all the way down to the heartwood, dusted with hormone powder and wrapped with moss. As a general rule this method works best on deciduous trees. Other species (like pines for example) won't tolerate such radical damage to the trunk and so the wire tourniquet method is used. As the trunk swells, the wire gradually cuts deeper and deeper, until it causes difficulties for the tree sending food energy from the leaves to the roots, forcing it to put out new ones. The slither bark method you mention is a medium between the two, with the bridges left intact, supplying nutrients back and forth. The slither technique can be used on those deciduous trees that don't respond to the ring bark method, and also can be used for pines too. Hope that helps. All the best, Aaron __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores! "A fox may change its skin but never its character"