Air layering crepe myrtles

[eferguson1974]

I'm thinking about getting back into bonsai after a break. It's a long story. I have crepe myrtles in my front yard that are probably a foot thick in some places. The trunks have movement and a twisted look to the bark. I know it's possible to air layer them in a thick spot. So if the plan is bonsai do I cut a trunk and let it back bud, then air layer below that? Or just layer off a long branch and try to pot it then cut back once it's established? I'm thinking a trunk as thick as my leg would be pretty cool but that might be too ambitious. There are thick trunks and some younger new trunks. Have I waited too late to try air layering them in zone 7A? I'm from the tropics and keeping trees is very different here. Thanks for any advice.

 

[sorce]

I think it was @penumbra who recently started a thread on working on layers while on the tree.

I would layer something decent to see how it goes, and start prepping others for a more lengthy stay on the tree for training before removal. If a few go well, train em on the tree longer.

Sorce