First air layer.. when to chop?

[TamworthSteve]

Hey guys,
I have an air layer on a Japanese maple that seems to be going nicely, and has produced quite a lot of roots, but since this is my first one, I would like some opinions as to whether I should chop now, or leave for another few weeks to produce more roots? I live in Tamworth, regional NSW too(so you have an idea of my climate).
There are two layers on the one trunk, trunk diameter being approx 1cm for the highest one, and 1.5cm for the lower of the two.
All growth above and below the layers looks rather healthy and vigorous, and I will be sure to remove quite a lot of the growth(about 2/3 if that is correct?) when I remove the layers.


Some pictures to indicate the root growth..

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So, chop now and see how it goes? Or wait for some more roots to grow?

Thanks guys,
Steve.

[Bougy Fan]

As long as there are enough roots to support the tree it would be fine to cut them off - but a couple more weeks won't hurt. It is normal to reduce the foliage considerably once it has been severed to reduce shock and to give the roots time to grow a bit more. Obviously the top layer dictates when to sever - it has to be as strong or stronger than the bottom one.

[MattA]

I would give them a few more weeks

[TamworthSteve]

So, a few more weeks it is, should have more roots by then too, and I found some info suggesting to wait until the new roots start to change from white to a darker colour.
Guess I might be just a tad eager to see if my first layer was successful, so I guess it's as they say.. "patience is a virtue"

Thanks guys,
Steve.

[alpineart]

Hi Tamworthsteve , mate its hard to be certain with layers especially Japanese Maples . If it was mine i would split and slip a pot onto the trunk and remove the plastic, then back fill with free draining mix . This way your are assured it will grow on and it can be severed at the end of this season . You can trim and begin to train the tree layer foliage now and when severed it will be a very good trainer . I prefer open pot layering over the plastic bag method as the root mass is never disturbed on removal simply potted up in size . The next dormant season the roots can be checked and trimmed , be aware that an open pot will require watering as per a normal bonsai if used .

Cheers Alpineart

[TamworthSteve]

Thanks Alpine,
I am going to be moving into a new home with my partner on or around the 14th December, just waiting on the valuation, pest/building etc, and been busy preparing my place to rent it out, so haven't done anything with this tree yet. Will wait till the move is over and then try the split pot method.
Cheers,
Steve.

[TamworthSteve]

Well, it seems that with moving house in December, and the fact that my partner an I are expecting, and trying to do a bit of much needed yard and garden work to the new place, that I have forgotten to remove these layers, and I am thinking I may have left them on a little too long, and may not have left enough time for each resulting tree to become established before autumn..

So my question is, do you guys think it would be safe to remove them now? Or should I wait until after they have lost their leaves? Or should I defoliate them, and remove them, although I don't think this would be a safe option right now...

As I am new to Air Layers, I would certainly appreciate the advice, and this time, I WILL USE IT! HAHA!

Attached are some pics so you can see the abundance of roots within the layer.

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Cheers,
Steve.

[kcpoole]

Still another month or so of growing yet so I would remove them. Make sure they are in a well protected spot over the winter and they should be ready to go in the spring.
I have one myself I need to look at taking off in the next few weeks.

Ken

[Ray M]

Hi Steve,
I agree with Ken. Tamworth is hotter than Sydney and you should have enough time for the trees to settle into the pots. When you take them off remove about a third of the growth. Don't put them in bonsai pots, put them in pots that will give them room to grow. Give them a drink of Seasol each week.

Hope you get some nice trees.

P.S. My wife and I went up to the Country Music Festival in January. Had a great time.

Regards Ray

[Bougy Fan]

Everything Ken and Ray said Don't try and untangle the moss from the roots too much - you will damage them. Tease out what you can and pot into a free draining mix and get the rest at the next repot.

[Scott Roxburgh]

I agree with Ray and Ken, but also wire the trees into the pots after removal to help keep the new roots stable.

[Ray M]

Hi Steve,
Tony has mentioned a really important point. The roots are very fragile at this stage.

When I cut off layers I soak them in a tub of water with Seasol added. This will loosen the sphagnum. After soaking for at least half an hour or more you can hold the trunk and gently plunge the layer up and down in the water. This will remove some of the sphagnum. Please remember the roots are very fragile.

Regards Ray

[TamworthSteve]

Thanks so much for the responses.

Great advice about the roots etc too... I have plenty of Seasol so will give them a good dunking, and weekly drink..

I was out in the yard with pruning saw in hand before I asked, and to be honest I just wasn't sure if they would have time to adapt as brand new plants before Autumn, but now I have the confidence to CHOP tomorrow afternoon!

Thanks again!
Steve.