Air layering for science?

[liltrees]

Hello fellow nuts! Long time lurker, first time poster. I have been into bonsai for more than a few years now. I have everything from seed grown materials to (nearly) complete trees and everything in between.

Just last month, the wife and I bought a house with more space for tree activity (allegedly). Upon taking stock of the landscaping in our new place, I have found there are many mature ornamentals and fruit trees. At some point this spring I will shamelessly take a few air layers from them.

The real reason for this post is one tree in particular. A fairly mature weeping Acer Palmatum dissectum. This tree looks to have significant rot above the original graft site. Everything above the rot appears to be alive so I have been considering attempting some air layers before I remove the entire tree.

Now I know the dissectums can be very hard to propagate but I figured since this tree needs to be replaced, it would be a good opportunity to test it out. If I get lucky, I'll end up with some thick new trees. The main trunk above this rot is several inches thick for reference.

What say you? Anyone have luck with dissectum air layering?
I dont know the cultivar, all I know is the leaves turned from a dull red to a very vibrant bright red before they fell this year. I have the Vertrees book somewhere.

 

[Dav4]

I'd try to save the tree and leave it in the landscape.

 

[Paradox]

I think you are bit early in the season for an air layer attempt.
We usually start those once the tree leafs out and the leaves are hardened off because the leaves help fuel the development of roots.

 

[liltrees]

I think you are bit early in the season for an air layer attempt.
We usually start those once the tree leafs out and the leaves are hardened off because the leaves help fuel the development of roots.

I should have clarified, I'm waiting until spring to do the air layers. I mentioned it briefly toward the beginning of the post. Just planning ahead at the moment.

While we intend to remove this one completely, there are several other trees in our front yard (persimmon, fig, cherry) that need trimmed as they are too close to the power lines so I will attempt air layers on those as well just so the trimmed branches dont go to waste.

For what its worth, my air layer success rate is 100% across two dozen or so trees. Now my cuttings are closer to 10% haha.

 

[Dav4]

I should have clarified, I'm waiting until spring to do the air layers. I mentioned it briefly toward the beginning of the post. Just planning ahead at the moment.

While we intend to remove this one completely, there are several other trees in our front yard (persimmon, fig, cherry) that need trimmed as they are too close to the power lines so I will attempt air layers on those as well just so the trimmed branches dont go to waste.

For what its worth, my air layer success rate is 100% across two dozen or so trees. Now my cuttings are closer to 10% haha.

My success rate is 100% with various upright A. Palmatum cultivars, but have never succeeded with dissectums.

 

[liltrees]

My success rate is 100% with various upright A. Palmatum cultivars, but have never succeeded with dissectums.

I think the plan for now is to do some pruning this spring and air layer the branches that need removed anyway and continue to monitor the health at the rot area for a few seasons before deciding on full removal. As is, it feels top heavy and a strong wind could likely break it at the stressed area.

I'll update the post this spring. Will try to experiment with different air layer techniques and media and document the results.

 

[BrianBay9]

My success rate is 100% with various upright A. Palmatum cultivars, but have never succeeded with dissectums.

I sort of succeeded with a dissectum. Squirrels damaged the stock trunk supporting the grafted dissectum. I air layered it on the stock, immediately below the graft. I now have the appearance of a dissectum on its own roots with the graft disguised in the root crown. OK, I guess that's cheating.