Air Layering the trunk of this Dawn Redwood?

[Epos7]

The two branches I air layered are pretty chonky. Should make for some nice trunks. Based on Leo's reply, it sounds like these will take longer to root than my maple air layers.



Mother tree is gorgeous.

 

[Betula1]

Air layer looks deep enough, I think from the photo. Keep wrapped, check weekly to make sure it is moist. Unwrap beginning August to check for roots, Then check again for roots every 3 months. Once roots form, you can separate and pot up.

Should go fairly quick, less than 18 months. Pine air layers if they happen at all can take up to 4 years. Most pine air layers fail.

As a general technique air layers on broad leaf deciduous often root in less than 3 months. Conifers take longer, with pines being most difficult to air layer.

I did manage to root Pinus mugo from an airlayer- it was well rooted within 12 weeks if my memory serves me right. (it was10 years ago!) Started it in April, wrapped in Sphagnum moss and covered with black polythene. Sadly I didnt think to take photos at the time

 

[Timbo]

The two branches I air layered are pretty chonky. Should make for some nice trunks. Based on Leo's reply, it sounds like these will take longer to root than my maple air layers.

View attachment 595081View attachment 595084

Mother tree is gorgeous.

View attachment 595083

I highly doubt Dawn Redwoods will take longer to root than Maples. I've done both, sometimes it takes 2 years on my bigger Japanese maples.
Assuming the air layer is done well, in your climate they should have a decent chance of throwing out roots.

As a side note though, next time try to put the air layer in a spot with good movement or interesting bulges, unless you are going for more upright style. I see about 5 feet up the tree is what looks like some decent movement. You will still have to cut the top way down at some point. Be cool to have that tree to air layer anytime.

Without your cuttings being in some kind of dome, they might dry and run out of energy before they root out. I like sticking any cuttings in a tote, or a deeper flat of perlite, DE and put a dome on it, while allowing some air flow so you don't get mold. With no way for the cuttings to uptake water, you need a way to slow down evaporation. People put cuttings in a raised bed, but that usually in the fall/early spring after dormancy with no leaves.

 

[Epos7]

I highly doubt Dawn Redwoods will take longer to root than Maples. I've done both, sometimes it takes 2 years on my bigger Japanese maples.
Assuming the air layer is done well, in your climate they should have a decent chance of throwing out roots.

As a side note though, next time try to put the air layer in a spot with good movement or interesting bulges, unless you are going for more upright style. I see about 5 feet up the tree is what looks like some decent movement. You will still have to cut the top way down at some point. Be cool to have that tree to air layer anytime.

Without your cuttings being in some kind of dome, they might dry and run out of energy before they root out. I like sticking any cuttings in a tote, or a deeper flat of perlite, DE and put a dome on it, while allowing some air flow so you don't get mold. With no way for the cuttings to uptake water, you need a way to slow down evaporation. People put cuttings in a raised bed, but that usually in the fall/early spring after dormancy with no leaves.

Good to know! I hope my JPM air layers don't take 2 years though

For the Dawn Redwood layers, I am going for an upright style. I took some nice bendy cuttings, but the air layers are pretty straight. Part of the reason for the location of one of the air layers is to give my fig tree more sunlight

The cuttings unfortunately are far too big for a dome. I think my chances of success are probably quite low, but so far, the foliage still looks happy and healthy.

 

[Timbo]

Just to add another point, the Dawn Redwood is slightly behind the Larix, Malus and Prunus to bud out for me. Maples flower about the same time but no leaves for a few more weeks. I assume that transcends in most climates (assuming chill hours). The Dawn Redwood would have an advantage just in start time.

 

[BonsaixDad]

Winning?? This is about 5 weeks after girdle was made

 

[Timbo]

Would have hoped for some roots by now but the callous is a good sign. Hard to tell, but the moss looks wet to me. When you put the moss on, you shouldn't be able to squeeze out any more water. You should have a zip tie or wire at the top to seal more water from getting in. Assuming it's not too wet, wrap it back up and wait till around week 8 (unless you see roots poking out). It should be in full to mostly sun if possible.

 

[Epos7]

Haven't opened mine up yet to take a peek. I think I see some roots on one of my smaller ones, but I can't tell if they're roots or just root-looking sphagnum through the plastic.

 

[Timbo]

That's why I take those branches, roots or whatever they are called out before I air layer. They look like mature roots.

 

[BonsaixDad]

Would have hoped for some roots by now but the callous is a good sign. Hard to tell, but the moss looks wet to me. When you put the moss on, you shouldn't be able to squeeze out any more water. You should have a zip tie or wire at the top to seal more water from getting in. Assuming it's not too wet, wrap it back up and wait till around week 8 (unless you see roots poking out). It should be in full to mostly sun if possible.

Dang i wonder if it has been too wet. Ever since it rained over all of last weekend its been starting to droop and look really sad. Think this one is toast?