Ground layering aftercare advice needed

[Imzy333]

Hi need advice if I had done the right method of ground layering. The tree in question, Deshojo Japanese maple. Currently it is end of spring in Sydney, Australia. I am hoping to start a new nebari journey. If anyone has advice for aftercare of ground layering I would be grateful for any tips on promoting root growth. In a sense, the tree had 3 different large roots so I done all 3 large roots. Is this the right approach?

Photos are attached

 

[RJG2]

Yes, it can be done that way, just ensure you scrape all the cambium off so it doesn't bridge.

Hopefully you've already raised the soil up around it.

Pro-tip: in the future, try to ask questions before you do the deed - no turning back now

 

[sevan]

Definitely make sure it's buried. I like to put a ring of mesh around it (like hardware cloth) and fill it with something like bonsai soil or perlite plus shredded spagnum moss. I want to make sure water still flows through to the roots below, but that a little extra moisture is retained for the new roots. I like to use mesh because you can see when the new roots have developed (they start poking out the sides).

 

[leatherback]

Consider raising the top cut to be just above the big roots.


Put a mesh around the trunk (Or an old pot) and rais substrate to be at least an inch above the top cut (That is the part from which roots are to be expected)

 

[RJG2]

Here's an example of a crab apple I did. There are plenty more threads on here about ground layering - just search around.

(Click through to the post to see the results)

Post in thread 'Unknown Crab'

May 9, 2023

Something something lemons, lemonade...

Damn voles.

• RJG2

• 
• 

 

[Imzy333]

Definitely make sure it's buried. I like to put a ring of mesh around it (like hardware cloth) and fill it with something like bonsai soil or perlite plus shredded spagnum moss. I want to make sure water still flows through to the roots below, but that a little extra moisture is retained for the new roots. I like to use mesh because you can see when the new roots have developed (they start poking out the sides).

Thanks for your input guys. I’ve done exactly so Spag moss and on the outer I put bonsai substrate. I’ve wrapped it around with mesh. How about after care? Can the tree be placed in normal sun conditions?

 

[Imzy333]

Here's an example of a crab apple I did. There are plenty more threads on here about ground layering - just search around.

(Click through to the post to see the results)

Post in thread 'Unknown Crab'

May 9, 2023

Something something lemons, lemonade...

Damn voles.

• RJG2

• 
• 

I can see wire around the top cut, what does this do?

 

[RJG2]

I can see wire around the top cut, what does this do?

Helps stop the cut from bridging, and promotes horizontal root growth (the disk helps even more).

 

[sevan]

I don't usually do anything special to protect my air layer or ground layer projects, I just leave them where they normally live.

 

[leatherback]

just keep it where it always is. Water as normal.

 

[SeanS]

Consider raising the top cut to be just above the big roots.
View attachment 574095

Put a mesh around the trunk (Or an old pot) and rais substrate to be at least an inch above the top cut (That is the part from which roots are to be expected)

I’d recommend doing what @leatherback suggested. A single top cut (not 3 cuts around each root) will give you a single radial formation of roots (hopefully) instead of 3 radial sets of roots which will ultimately give you the same scenario you’re trying to fix.