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Separating a triple Acer air-layer
http://weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15493
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Author:  nstansbury [ 12 Sep 2016, 22:30 ]
Post subject:  Separating a triple Acer air-layer

Hi all,

I began a triple air-layer on a 3"-4" Acer last Spring. Each layer rooted out of order and now the lower ones especially are sprouting roots out of the containing bag.

I wonder what your thoughts are about separating 3 such largish layers this time of year vs re-bagging each one and waiting until Spring? The leaves on each layer are look decidedly autumnal which Bill suggested here earlier today: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15279&start=10#p188379 was a sign..?

I wasn't really expecting this to work and so still haven't figured out where they're going to go - they are each pretty large trees!

Cheers,

N~

Author:  Gary Jones [ 12 Sep 2016, 23:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

For the ones with a bag full of roots - that's the best sign. You won't get many more roots unless you leave it until the growing season next year. Do you have any pictures?

Author:  NickB [ 13 Sep 2016, 08:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

Its a dilemma. In my garden, with this warm September weather, most of my trees are still going and probably have a couple of weeks left. So, I would probably split and pot up.

I just stick the whole rootball, moss and all, in a pot. Tying in is a good idea to stop it rocking. Keeping out of wind is vital too.

Author:  Brendan [ 13 Sep 2016, 09:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

Hi N

Depends where you are. In the South East I'd separate them now. In Scotland I'd wait.

Author:  nstansbury [ 13 Sep 2016, 11:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

Hi guys,

Thanks for you thoughts.

@Brendan yep SE - sounds like I should get prepping!

Pics attached, the lower one is 4" the top 2.5"

Author:  nstansbury [ 13 Sep 2016, 11:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

From today

Author:  stymie [ 13 Sep 2016, 15:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

Observations; it isn't usual to put mulitple layers on the same run. Different branches are usually OK. I always remove a ring of bark 1½ times the diameter of the member which is being layered to avoid bridging of the gap. Admittedly, this is thicker than the average layer so it might have been enough.

Author:  Drew [ 13 Sep 2016, 22:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

It might be your pic but I don't see a lot of root in those bags at present and also seems like there's not a lot of space/moss for the roots to grow into. From what I've seen and if they where mine I wouldn't separate, I'd wait till there are more roots to support it. What's the hurry?

Author:  Bill [ 19 Sep 2016, 18:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

those are big layers :smallthumb: seeing as you have layered the whole tree, the colour change is not a great sign to go on; the top may be changing colour first because it receives the best light. because of their size and the value of such, i think it would be worth taking the time to rig up a split pot for each one which will add insulation for the winter period and allow more root growth, which should happen as the tree loses its leaves and stores that energy. wait then until you see lots of roots trying to get out the holes next season and you will be good to remove.

from the relatively thin ring of bark removed, i wouldn't be surprised if they have bridged the gap in places but if you have roots forming its not too serious, just will need further work down the line. my priority would be getting them removed with enough root to support them.

Author:  nstansbury [ 12 Mar 2018, 14:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Separating a triple Acer air-layer

I thought I'd resurrect this thread with an update on these air layers.

I the end I separated 2 of the 3 early January 2017. I decided not to do any form of pruning when I potted them on the logic that the size of the trunk and the number of bud sites would help the trees survive.

I hadn't actually realised how big they were - or heavy and struggled to find pots to fit them in or support them. In the end I had to screw plywood plates into the trunk plate and screw those in to the pot bases. I left the final air layer on the parent tree as I'd physically run out of space!

Attachment:
IMG_3277 copy.JPG


Attachment:
IMG_3279 copy.JPG


After I potted them up, I protected them from any frost damage with bubble wrap and to be honest didn't hold out much hope...

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