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Air layering an oak
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Author:  ConorDash [ 02 Jun 2018, 23:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Don’t let the moss stay too wet...

Author:  13wendy [ 04 Jun 2018, 10:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Hi all. This is the oak I’m working on, defoliated over last 3 years so leaves are small (I assume not good to defoliate while air layering now?) I have ideas for the top section but would like your opinions as to which branches can go and styling. It’s 20 plus years old so not very pliable only on new growth. Also on the lower section growth has appeared, do I remove or leave it to grow? Can I begin to style the top section or will that be too much stress while air layering? Really would like some advice good or bad, bit of a grey area for me
Thanks all

Author:  Gary Jones [ 04 Jun 2018, 16:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

When you air layer you want maximum production from the top section leaves so it's usual practice to avoid any unnecessary styling or pruning. The growth from the bottom is a good sign - the current roots are saying "hey we're not getting fed from above - please send out some new shoots to feed us". I would leave it all mostly alone until you separate it. Once you do separate it's perhaps obviously helpful to have foliage on the lower section (unless you intend to bin it)

I wouldn't bother about styling the top section until the layer is established in a pot. Something for next year.

Author:  13wendy [ 19 Jul 2018, 15:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Update on my oak air layering. Roots are showing through the plastic!!!! Exciting times. Not enough yet to remove but hopefully enough by Sept. If not enough roots is it ok to stay how it is until spring

Author:  13wendy [ 19 Jul 2018, 15:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Ps. Can i chop it off and pot it in sept if the roots are adequate

Author:  Gary Jones [ 19 Jul 2018, 15:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Yes - it can be left if needed but if you have enough roots you can separate - just apply care. Personally I would wait at least until the heat wave is over and avoid undue disturbance to the roots when potting up.

Author:  13wendy [ 19 Jul 2018, 16:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Thanks Gary. Which potting medium would I use. I've read that more spag moss packed around the roots may be good to keep the roots growing but I'm tempted to use compost from greenwoods too, any thoughts ?

Author:  13wendy [ 19 Jul 2018, 16:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

Having trouble loading images. It keeps saying file too big. How are you guys uploading photos ! Born in the wrong generation

Author:  Brendan [ 19 Jul 2018, 16:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

You are new to this forum but from what you are asking you aren't new to bonsai?

If you put the layer on this season and it has already rooted that's pretty impressive. I'd be cautious as they may not be all that strong. Post some pics if you want second opinions?

By September you could separate it. It looks like a pretty large canopy and reasonably heavy. That means removing the layer and potting it on has to be a 2 person job. Doing it on your own is risky. Learned that the hard way.

When you plant it don't try to remove all the moss from between the roots. Whatever falls of without you poking around is fine, but trying to remove moss and then replace it with soil or new moss etc is just looking for trouble. I know, I snapped roots off just barely touching them. Also the hard way.


Take some extra time to prepare the new pot. Add extra wires for tying the top down.

I pot everything in cat litter. For this tree I'd do the same, but add about 15% fine compost. You can't go wrong with commercially bought bonsai soil.

Give the newly planted tree a treatment of fungicide followed a few days later with a bug killer just for good housekeeping.

It has to be rock steady in the pot for a September separation. In September it will be starting going dormant. The tree will start withdrawing nutrients from the leaves. The roots (and trunk etc) will be filling with stored nutrients, and all parts will be putting on extra girth. Wobbling about will damage the roots. Autumn winds will soon start shaking this tree. Protect it from frost.

Then show us the new growth in spring.

Oh, and don't forget to reduce the stub on the old tree and treat the wound.

Author:  Gary Jones [ 19 Jul 2018, 16:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Air layering an oak

I would use your normal granular bonsai soil. Sphagnum will be too wet. The "compost" from Greenwoods will be fine if it's bonsai soil (granular and free draining). Don't use garden compost as it stays too wet with too little air.

Re the photos - using a hosting site such as flickr or google (the one I use) is the easiest option. There are various posts about these on the forum which you can search for. The other alternative is to shrink your images to under 200kb but as a rule we prefer not to do this as it uses up space which adds costs which is not good for a forum that is provided freely.

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