Air layering first attempt

wal · Post by **wal** » January 26th, 2017, 8:28 pm

Before i chop the Lilly pilly out the front I'm keen to try an air layer

I've picked out a few spots and been reading heaps on here and was totally inspired to try

The spot i think im going with branches off into 3 any thoughts?

shibui · Post by **shibui** » January 26th, 2017, 9:11 pm

OK but you still have 3 tall, straight branches/ trunks with vey little taper. As a bonsai grower why would you bother (except for the practice)?

wal · Post by **wal** » January 26th, 2017, 9:18 pm

Hmm i see your point mate thank you i will ponder more

Beano · Post by **Beano** » January 29th, 2017, 9:48 am

If it's a first attempt and the worst that happens is you're getting rid of it anyway then go for it. Maybe pick a better spot on the tree with more movement and taper. Even if you can't avoid long straight bits the Lilly pills should bud everywhere then you can build in new taper. No harm in trying.

Have you thought about digging up stumps for carving projects in years to come?

Max · Post by **Max** » January 29th, 2017, 10:37 am

Why not cut it all back...let it shoot...wire...let it grow..wire....let it grow...then layer.....just a thought...just remember not to layer too many branches

wal · Post by **wal** » January 29th, 2017, 10:39 am

no idea wrote:Why not cut it all back...let it shoot...wire...let it grow..wire....let it grow...then layer.....just a thought...just remember not to layer too many branches

Mrs wants it fully gone asap

Regards
Wal

Max · Post by **Max** » January 29th, 2017, 11:05 am

cut it about a meter off the ground so you can wiggle the root ball out then cut it back to where you have those young shoots coming out, leave about 80mm of the stump, angle cut away from the shoots...now here's a thought/experiment....the shoot strongest/closest to the trunk cut a slither of cambium on the shoot and do a matching one on the trunk. On the trunk i think i'd leave about 20mm of bark at the tip so it's still circulating energy, then bind the slices together with raffia and see if they fuse, i'd do this while its still in the ground....never know....it might work

.....then again...i might be wasting your time

....sorry if i am

regards
Max

wal · Post by **wal** » January 29th, 2017, 11:20 am

no idea wrote:cut it about a meter off the ground so you can wiggle the root ball out then cut it back to where you have those young shoots coming out, leave about 80mm of the stump, angle cut away from the shoots...now here's a thought/experiment....the shoot strongest/closest to the trunk cut a slither of cambium on the shoot and do a matching one on the trunk. On the trunk i think i'd leave about 20mm of bark at the tip so it's still circulating energy, then bind the slices together with raffia and see if they fuse, i'd do this while its still in the ground....never know....it might work .....then again...i might be wasting your time ....sorry if i am

regards
Max

Ok i need to go read i think 50% of that went way over my head and the other 50 went way WAY over lol

I think i kinda follow hmm google here i come

Thanks mate

Regards
Wal

Beano · Post by **Beano** » January 29th, 2017, 11:32 am

Your wife will be waiting at least 8 weeks for a layer to root, so maybe just dig up the stumps?

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