Airlaying

[Kev0312]

Hi everyone,

Just like to know when is the best time to airlay a maple tree?

[Bougy Fan]

I would now wait until the tree puts put some new growth after winter. The layer will not do anything while the tree is dormant so leave it until around September.

[treeman]

Some say spring before it leafs out. I have done it in summer after the leaves mature. I think the season in Oz is long enough for either. Not this time of the year though.

[shibui]

I've found that bleeding and infection can be a problem when ringbarking maples for layering before the buds start. I usually wait until the leaves are fully open.

[Paul W]

I know this off topic, but would the same apply to a Chinese elm or in fact any deciduous tree.

[shibui]

Generally plants root better when they are actively growing so layering in spring and summer usually produces faster results. Most plants do not bleed when cut in spring so you can layer a bit earlier with most species other than maples.

[Kev0312]

Is it ok, to airlay a trunk of my Japanese maple?
It is currently sitting in a bonsai pot, should I leave it or better to grow it in a larger pot before airlay?

[shibui]

If your tree is strong and healthy you can layer it while in a bonsai pot.