Ripewood? Softwood? Da-he-what?

thejimmyrigger

Two part Question:
Seriosly confused here. What is ripewood and softwood? I've looked up a few species I'm considering a cutting from. One mentions softwood cuttings, the other ripewood. Is this a term for this years growth? This leads on to problem 2....

Number two. I'm in a similiar boat as Mercury, but my father has givin me permision to take anything on their property. As far as he's concerned, its taking up valuable lobster boat equipment storage. We have some juniper (possibly chinensis, or another 10ft tall variety)with some very good possiblity. Several azaelia, all beatin to bueatiful by a snow shovel for years. Some Red Maple, I just think the red leaves are cool. And lastly, two warped thick healthy Hawthorns. These two hawthorns have incredible branches some of which already have good taper, excellent sub branch placement, and aged bark. I'ld bet a good cutting'ld be show worthy in two-three years.

The Hawthorn is my number one choice, BUT I have a dilemma, these trees are 45 minutes away from me and my sister (God bless her) could forget her own name sometimes. So an air layer, unless in a HUGE container of moss, would never get enough water. Could I take cuttings of these? A few species guides say "softwood cuttings for hawthorn, midsummer." If softwood means new growth I wouldn't bother. The azealia (choice 2) I could simply dig up. The juniper (choice 3) gives me the same problem as the hawthorn. Help, I'm kinda confused.

Its still collecting time in my immediate area as all the trees remember the annual April 2 foot snow storms.


jim

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Chris_Mynyk

you could collect the whole trees. and either style the whole tree or if your really intent on airlayering plant the tree on your property and then airlayer

thejimmyrigger

Well the azaelia I plan on collecting, the other trees are large and old, 10-15 feet tall. I'm curious of cutting times and the ripewood fiasco.
jim

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Jimmyrigging is much like jerryrigging, just go a bit lighter on the duct tape and wire coat hangers, and hit said broken item more. Remember: if it isn't broke don't kick it.

TreeBay

Softwood is unlignified, typically from this year's growth. Hardwood or Ripewood is older.

If the juniper is 10 feet tall, it's probably not a compact variety suitable for propagation for bonsai. Because of other characteristics (like age or the trunk shape) the tree itself might be suitable for collection and use as a bonsai subject, but if you're going to propagate something, choose the best cultivars.

Regards,

Matt

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D3rutat

Softwood is this year;s growth
Ripewood: is this year's growth half lignified
Hardwood:Fully lignified growth

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