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Hawthorn Air Layer
http://weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19051		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Mark D [ 30 Jul 2020, 08:56 ]
Post subject:  Hawthorn Air Layer
Hello All
Had a peak at my attempts at air layering yesterday, nothing visible on the Maple, or 2 of the Hawthorn, but excitingly can see this on 1 of the Hawthorn
Image
My thoughts are to give it another month to try and get more roots before potentially separating, although more than happy to listen to advice if anyone thinks there is any benefit leaving longer?
My main query is, the site of the Air Layer is probably 4 feet below the top of the plant - would I be better reducing the size of the potential new plant now, or when I separate, or even later?!
Thanks for any pointers!
Cheers
Mark
Author:  richardb [ 30 Jul 2020, 09:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Personally I would give it till mid September to get the best roots and then plant it into ,say a 5 litre pot. It will then put on root growth in early autumn. I would then cut it back in February to where you want , but leave a 1/2 inch stub where you cut it. Then next year when growing above the cut you can clean up the stub to a smooth cut.
Incidently, I have never had a successful hawthorn air layer only ever achieved a big callous. Did you keep the layer relatively dry ??
Author:  richardb [ 30 Jul 2020, 09:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Also, meant to add, secure it and stake it as movement will damage new root growth.
Author:  Mark D [ 30 Jul 2020, 10:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Thanks, yes it has only been watered intermittently (and probably not very effectively! i.e. a hose aimed at the top for a while hoping some water runs down the trunk), although it was tied pretty tight and the moss was well moistened when i did it, and the cut was well coated with rooting hormone.

Thanks for the tips, I am very aware this is not yet successful! But just want to make sure I give it the best chance having at least got this far.
Author:  Paul B [Swindon] [ 30 Jul 2020, 10:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Leave until Sept, when you do cut it off don't mess with the moss or the stump below just plant it into a pot, support and place it somewhere sheltered during Winter.
Don't be in a rush to sort the roots, I would leave it for 2 years to build up strength. Hawthorn can be slow to get going. You can think that it is growing well but it is just surviving on the sugars in the tree.

When I put an air layer on I put a stick against the trunk over the cut area and then tie to it. That way it leaves a small gap at top and bottom so water can run through. Keeping the moss damp but not stood in water.

The top of the tree can have a light pruning while the air layer is on, it will reduce the weight of the top when you do decide to sever the trunk.
Author:  daryl [ 30 Jul 2020, 10:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Just a thought, would it be worth taking the wrap off and carefully adding a thicker layer of sphagnum so it can grow a bigger root ball? It looks quite crowded in there already. I'm no expert so that is a thought rather than a recommendation! ::dunno:
Author:  Mark D [ 30 Jul 2020, 11:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
daryl wrote:
Just a thought, would it be worth taking the wrap off and carefully adding a thicker layer of sphagnum so it can grow a bigger root ball? It looks quite crowded in there already. I'm no expert so that is a thought rather than a recommendation! ::dunno:


Quite possibly - my thoughts, when i took off the black plastic to have a look, were 'I wish I'd managed to get more moss in there'!

Definitely needed more than one pair of hands for that job. And the hawthorns did not appreciate it, they left me covered in scratches...
Author:  Mark D [ 30 Jul 2020, 11:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Paul B [Swindon] wrote:
Leave until Sept, when you do cut it off don't mess with the moss or the stump below just plant it into a pot, support and place it somewhere sheltered during Winter.
Don't be in a rush to sort the roots, I would leave it for 2 years to build up strength. Hawthorn can be slow to get going. You can think that it is growing well but it is just surviving on the sugars in the tree.

When I put an air layer on I put a stick against the trunk over the cut area and then tie to it. That way it leaves a small gap at top and bottom so water can run through. Keeping the moss damp but not stood in water.

The top of the tree can have a light pruning while the air layer is on, it will reduce the weight of the top when you do decide to sever the trunk.


Thanks, however this one turns out, for next ones I'll try the stick method and a bit more routine watering - I've got my eye on a section of pyracantha at the OutLaws for next year.
If I manage to get this removed and potted looking viable I'll be sure to leave it a couple of years to get going.
Cheers
Mark
Author:  Paul B [Swindon] [ 30 Jul 2020, 13:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Pyracantha you will find root easily, usually burst their way out of the bag.

I did one the other year and put it in a large pot, now having difficulties watering it as there is so much root.

It will be re potted next year
Author:  Gary Jones [ 31 Jul 2020, 19:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hawthorn Air Layer
Mark D wrote:
And the hawthorns did not appreciate it, they left me covered in scratches...


When working hawthorn I often cut off all the ends of the thorns just to avoid the inevitable pain caused otherwise.
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