English elm air layer

[Lewis87]

Hi guys. I have a piece of English elm material that I’ve basically ground layered. It’s taken a while to form new roots probably because it’s a 3 inch trunk with old bark and it was my first layer.
I won’t separate until spring but I planned to straight cut the top off to start a broom project. Can I cut now? Reason I ask is by separating the layer and cutting the same time would it jeopardise the buds forming around the top of the cut as it won’t have the roots it once had.
It’s very healthy and growing wild as I have not touched it.
thanks

 

[atlarsenal]

I wouldn’t cut the top. All the foliage you have up top is what‘s building your roots on the layer right now. I would wait until you separate the layer depending on what those roots look like. Maybe even wait another year to chop the top.

 

[Lewis87]

Ok thanks. Good to know.

 

[Tieball]

Exactly what @atlarsenal explained. And I would wait the additional year before chopping the top. I’d want to be sure the tree is in continued-survival mode before chopping….so it can grow out the new branches you want for your broom project. That’s how I’d approach this direction.