Air Layering Subjects (Willow and Apple)

bzb12345

Seedling
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I have decided to air layer some of the branches on my willow (Salix integra) and apple tree. These branches were some of the most interesting on the entire tree and have a diameter of between 1.5-2.5 inches.

#1 (Willow):
IMG_4328.JPG.jpegIMG_4331.JPG.jpeg

#2 (Willow):
IMG_4332.JPG.jpeg

#3 (Willow):
IMG_4335.JPG.jpeg

#4 (Apple):
IMG_4337.JPG.jpeg

#5 (Apple):
IMG_4340.JPG.jpeg

Which look the most promising for a bonsai? However, I will be air layering all of them anyway for practice.
 

Bonsai Nut

Nuttier than your average Nut
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What you are looking for with your native air-layers is taper and character. When I am thinking about air-layering off a native tree, I sometimes prune beforehand in order to develop a trunk prior to air-layering. What you DON'T want is a stove-pipe straight trunk section.

I often find the best sections are at (or below) a branch junction.
 

sorce

Nonsense Rascal
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Grab yourself any branch and ring bark it...
When the wood underneath is not slimy..
You properly removed the cambium.

Making a clean uniform top cut around the branch is the only difficult thing, and it only sucks when you can't see!

Now...you can't fail!

That said....

I sometimes prune beforehand in order to develop a trunk prior to air-layering

I'd be cutting red this year, for development...
And layering yellow next year, or even years later after big cuts heal....
aviary-image-1496913522173.jpeg
aviary-image-1496913627072.jpeg

Sorce
 

Underdog

Masterpiece
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I've rooted up to a 4" willow in a bucket of water. Easy Peazy even for a newb like me. Would at least try before all the trouble of layering it.
 

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