Air layer timing

Bonsai_james

Hello

I have several questions regarding air layering. As you may have seen in the virtual bonsai section that i have two trees that are naff and i want to air layer the tops of these. One is a Scotts pine and the other the juniper. Now i have already discovered that both can be air layered and that the best time would be spring - summer - i need a little clarification as to when i can start these layers off. Its still a bit chilly here in south east england and i was wondering if i can start these now or should i wait for another month

Also some have said in numerous threads that pines can take upto a year or more to root, surely the foliage would start to decay if the cambium layer and xylem and pholem have been removed or is this not the case? Im also considering the air layering of some Beech - does this air layer? Are there any species of deciduous tree that are easy to air layer? Sorry for so many questions.

James
P.S. the oak tree hunting trip didnt happen as it rained hard all day * try again during the week

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bonsaial1

Hey Dude, Somehow water is still transported from the roots to the green part of the tree. The sugars produced cannot get to the roots via their old path because you have innterupted it with your ring of bark removal. The sugars collect at the cut zone and produce new roots to nourish, conviently on the side of the cut with the foilage, a few months go by and, voila, a new tree to sever off. Hope this helps, Bonsaial

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Real men don't wear coats with "happi" in the title.

Bonsainut

James,
I'm glad to hear you are so excited about air layering! It is a fun and great thing to do to expand your collection.
I agree with Al, And I have had pines alive and well into their second year after an air layer.
Most any tree will air layer. Your beech will do fine. The best I have found is Japanese Maple. I have seperated 2 inch trunks from the mother plant in 6 weeks.
Lastly if you cant wait go ahead now but it would be better to wait for another 6 weeks ar so!

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Keep growing,---'Nut



Lethal Use of Farce

Tony

James, Wait till they are putting out new buds in the spring. When the sap is up in the tree the ring of bark you cut will seperate at the right place, at the cambium layer. Most deciduous trees can be layered and will normally root quicker than conifers and bradleaf evergreens.

Tony