Success Rate of Juniper airlayer

RyanFrye

I don't know much about junipers, so I was wondering what the success rate of airlayering a juniper procumbens is. Some have said it is very easy, others have said the exact oposite. Any thoughts? What is your Experience?

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peterh

I air layered two standardized procumbens 2.5 years ago with a 100% success rate.

They are now in training pots.

RyanFrye

Thanks! Any one else with some experience?

RyanFrye

This is the juniper I have in mind for airlayering. I purchased it as stock from my supplier and recently styled it (I know it doesn't have much of a canopy, I pinched it back to encourage tight foliage pads to develop.). I don't think it would be smart to do the airlayer this year since I recently styled it. But, next spring when I do step out and do the airlayer I would like to gleen some experience off of others. I have airlayered several other species of trees/plants and have never had any of them fail, but I've never airlayered a conifer before. Here is the picture of the tree that I took this morning. You can see why I want to airlayer it:

RyanFrye

And a close up of the area to have the airlayer performed:

RyanFrye

Finally, a close up of all that will remain depending on how successful the airlayer is (Tell me how to insure success! Please..... )

tachigi

There are no guarrentees in life except taxes and death. Expect the worse and hope for the best.

Now saying that, your game plan is sound. Patience has already increased your odds. I have done more than several air layers on Junipers (see picture of this years crop) and have had about a 90% success rate. Junipers air layer fairly easily ... they throw roots ... that is what junipers do. So its a good subject.

The trick as I see it is to get the air layer high enough to make the project worth while. The only problem as I see it is negotiating the deadwood. You'll have to think about exactly where the band needs to go. Any chance you can post a picture of the backside, so we can see what your dealing with there.

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