bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Air layer hasn't gone well

Ralph,

I do not take your comments as critical, I understand your point. My intent was two fold. I wanted to train the branch directly beneath the layer as the new leader from the base which I feel is decent. I could not see throwing away all of the top of this tree without trying to salvage it. It wouldn’t be like throwing away a few branches from pruning. A 7 foot section of trunk in my eyes is quite a waste. I realize now I should have done a much shorter layer this year but that doesn’t help me for this winter.
I've put a line where the layer is. You can see the branch directly beneath it I was speaking of.
I’ve considered allowing the tree to start into dormancy then removing the layer. Defoliating what may remain of the leaves and mulch the base heavily for the winter.

Any thoughts there?

Thanks,

David