Air Layering Method (new To Me)

clrosner

I have been reading a book called "Challenging Bonsai by Dave Hunt.

On page 107 Mr. Hunt describes a method of Air Layering where a precision groove is cut around the bark. A very tight tourniquet of thick aluminum wire is pounded into the cut entirely filling the cavity originally cut around the tree.

This pounding ensures contact all the way around. This method is performed when the tree is in winter dormancy.

I am just curious if anyone has tried or heard of this method? I have heard of using wire to air layer or to try to add girth to the base of a tree, but never pounding (only) aluminum wire into the cut.

__________________
Carl L. Rosner - near Atlantic City zone 6/7
arteacher3725@yahoo.com

CHECK OUT MY UPDATED WEBSITE AT[B]:
www.carlrosner.com

Advertisement

TreeBay

I think that method was covered in Bonsai Today roughly five years ago. There was an article involving air layering a huge cryptomeria trunk from a garden tree. I think it was Mr Mitsuya's article. Anyway they cut a channel, wrap a thick aluminum wire around, tighten with pliers and then pound it in with a mallet. Sometimes a second wire is added beneath the first - keeps it from slipping and really reduces the likelihood of any bridging taking place.

The thinking is that copper, like other heavy metals can inhibit the rate of growth of roots. I have no idea how much toxic copper might actually leach from a piece of bonsai wire, but one of the ways they used to prospect for copper ore is to look for naturally dwarfed trees.

Regards,

Matt

__________________

Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today!

bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!