JBP air layer

[Dirty Nails]

This is a JBP air layer I took from a tree in my backyard. It has grown well this year but did not produce any "proper" candles like my other. Is that because it is getting adjusted on new roots? I think that I should not do anything to this tree this year but feed it and put some wire on it this fall. Agree?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I would not wire it this fall, for fear of damaging the new roots.

 

[Dirty Nails]

Sorry, should have mentioned that it was separated last fall so it will be in the pot for 1 full year this fall. Still too soon to wire?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I would still wait, unless you feel it's solid in the pot. See how little top growth it put on this year? It's a good indication of what's happening under the soil.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

I would think you should remove one of those branches this year before you get reverse taper at that whorl.

 

[Eric Group]

I would think you should remove one of those branches this year before you get reverse taper at that whorl.

I would error on the side of caution and not remove any major branches, or do any wiring... Nothing that might push or pull a whole lot on those developing roots!

Kind of shocked to see a successful air layer on such an old branch of a JBP! Most indications are they are VERY hard to layer on anything older than about 1 year. How long did it take to make roots, and are you certain you had a good enough root system when you separated? Obviously the needles still look green which is a great sign, but like Bryan said- the lack of growth is at least an indication you probably don't want to stress this tree a whole lot right now.

 

[Dirty Nails]

It took 5 months +/-. I attempted 3 on the same tree and 2 made roots. 1 didn't make it. The roots were OK on it - not great. I didn't want the layer out swinging in the cold winter. I will let it be until next year and see if it makes good candles which I guess would be a good indicator of health. I have no clue as to style right now.