Dawn Redwood Trunk Chop

[bobbywett]

Hello Folks,


My dawn redwood is currently at 3" diameter and I would like to either trunk chop it or air layer it, but I've heard its really difficult to air layer them. Is this true? When is the best time of year to trunk chop a dawn redwood?


Thanks,


For any help,


Bobby

 

[hinmo24t]

heavy


they root from decent sized cuttings i found out. kept in shade, always moist
so id suggest cutting it and then propping a bunch of cuttings

 

[bobbywett]

heavy


they root from decent sized cuttings i found out. kept in shade, always moist
so id suggest cutting it and then propping a bunch of cuttings

Thank you

 

[caffeinated]

I tried air layering one and it bridged the gap, twice, on the same attempt. The second time I cut the callous back and widened the girdle and it still bridged, so maybe at least try drying out the girdle over a couple days or put in a wire or disc barrier before enclosing in moss.

 

[andrewiles]

I've air layered them without trouble. The one in the photo below was started in early June and separated in early August, though you could start earlier. I used CloneX and Sphagnum moss. It would be a waste to chop the top and not get another tree out of it imho.



Hardwood cuttings also root easily. You can take them in late winter. Just place in plain potting soil after applying CloneX. You must keep them in shade or dappled sun until they show a second flush of growth, typically in mid-summer. First flush doesn't mean roots yet. Here are some of mine:

 

[Potawatomi13]

Three inches good why not go for impressive 5"?