The science of air-layering

[bpancakes]

Is that a standard J Maple you're working with? You can probably get roots in 8 - 10 weeks. If you start now and don't get enough roots to separate before first frost you can leave it on over the winter.

I get to show my greenness and learn a little, I believe its A. japonicum but I'm not sure on what I'm looking for to distinguish it from A. palmatum, and now I'm second guessing myself if it isnt actually palmatum OR dissectum. Its about 15-20 feet tall and in a friends yard haha. Probably 30 or so years old? Still undecided if I should go for it, I believe I read some acers dont air layer well, or maybe that was cuttings.. or maybe I'm losing it. I appreciate your response, thanks!

 

[BrianBay9]

I get to show my greenness and learn a little, I believe its A. japonicum but I'm not sure on what I'm looking for to distinguish it from A. palmatum, and now I'm second guessing myself if it isnt actually palmatum OR dissectum. Its about 15-20 feet tall and in a friends yard haha. Probably 30 or so years old? Still undecided if I should go for it, I believe I read some acers dont air layer well, or maybe that was cuttings.. or maybe I'm losing it. I appreciate your response, thanks!

Yeah I've never tried but I hear the dissectum types are hard to layer.

 

[bpancakes]

Yeah I've never tried but I hear the dissectum types are hard to layer.

Looking like dissectum to you then?

 

[rutulus]

A question about layering for the more experienced: is there a benefit to separating now other than the new portability of the separated layer?

I ground layered a zelkova in May. I placed a cut nursery can on top of the soil around the trunk and filled it with sphagnum. At this point the sphagnum is full of roots. I don’t have any compelling reason to separate them now versus waiting for the spring. If anything spring is probably more convenient for me. Is there a consideration I’m missing?

 

[leatherback]

A question about layering for the more experienced: is there a benefit to separating now other than the new portability of the separated layer?

I ground layered a zelkova in May. I placed a cut nursery can on top of the soil around the trunk and filled it with sphagnum. At this point the sphagnum is full of roots. I don’t have any compelling reason to separate them now versus waiting for the spring. If anything spring is probably more convenient for me. Is there a consideration I’m missing?

If you separate now, the donor plant has time to sprout?
Both layer and donor have time to start healing over the separated trunk.

I feel that once separated, root formation speeds up.

But to a large extend it is just my personal preference. (simirlar to me separating very early on. Always have, even though it is tricky)

 

[rutulus]

Got it. Thank you for the response.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

So what am I doing wrong if the air layer completely defoliates, yet also produces roots? I don't have photos atm, but I can upload some tomorrow.

 

[leatherback]

So what am I doing wrong if the air layer completely defoliates, yet also produces roots? I don't have photos atm, but I can upload some tomorrow.

Make sure the roots do not dry out. It could mean the tree has shut down support for the layer (thus not sending any more water to the layer, causing leaf drop).
Once I have clear and healthy roots, I separate. Not sure that would work in your climate at this stage though.