Trident maple airlayer/autumn colour

Scottlikebonsai

Hi first of all I'm in Canberra, Australia.

I have just done my first airlayers (after countless hours reading and trauling the net) on a large trident maple and the leaves are turning the reddy orange they do in autumn. I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this on airlayers and does this mean i have done it wrong? I am yet to uncover the roots, i am afraid of damage (if there are any roots there) I'm keen to check progress but it has only been about 4 weeks. Any help would be great.

Thankyou Scotty.

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jbhayman

As a general rule do the layer on Melbourne Cup day and remove it on Australia Day !!! It will give it a good chance for root growth. Removing it too early is dangerous.

When you did the layer did you cut right in past the 1st layer of bark and then cut past the next layer called the cambium...this is very important. Then I tend to cut a little extra to make sure !!!

Make sure the layer is always moist but not to wet....I use a needle to upkeep the water in mine, and I usually inject some root stimulator with it.

Good luck

John

Scottlikebonsai

thanks for your reply, i took one of the poorly done ones off yesterday(way too early i know) and nothing so i think that i haven't gone deep enough because it wasn't into the hard wood it was still green under the bark.
again thanks for your reply.
Scotty

jbhayman

Obviously you are not deep enough...try again.It should look white when you ge deep enough.

Jbhayman