Best time to start cuttings and layers

[remist17]

I will be trying to take cuttings and start airlayer several trees this year. In south central PA, we are just starting to bud and flower on trees.

Trees I would like to take cuttings/layers from
- Crab Apple
- Red Bud
- Bradford Pear.

When can I start ?

Thanks

 

[evmibo]

crab apple (autumn)

not sure about the other two

 

[rockm]

If you start an airlayer on an apple, a red bud, or pear in autumn in Pennsylvania, it will be killed off in the first hard freeze...

Best time to air layer is when the tree is in full leaf and the leaves are functioning (after they harden off). In your area, that's probably mid-to-end of April.

I don't do the cutting thing, so I can't really speak to that, as it is tremendously variable depending on species.

 

[Kiani]

I too have a crapapple that I wish to air layer two difference branches at the same time. Would love some advice on when to start (Southern California) and if there are any particular air layering things I should note for this particular tree.

 

[Stan Kengai]

Cuttings from apples should be taken from semi-hard wood on the current year's growth. Here that's around the first of June/early summer, but it depends on species and cultivar, too. The wood should have a sheen to it. Can't help with the others.

 

[remist17]

OK great thanks.

 

[Tim_T]

I did an air layer on a crab apple 2 years ago. I started the air layer in mid April and cut it from the main tree in early September. I live in S.E. Michigan.
Worked out good for me.

 

[Utah]

Bradford Pear

I am planning out some air layering on a bradford pear and wanted to see if you had any luck last year.

 

[GrimLore]

I am planning out some air layering on a bradford pear and wanted to see if you had any luck last year.

Early to mid April on all the species mentioned in this area. "If" the extended forcasts stay as they are. Honest I would not worry in that 2 week time frame. Larger trees will be there in the Summer no matter what the weather in your zone... Only consideration is that the tree you are going to layer is in good condition and properly taken care of - there are other species that are far less "picky" but what you choose will work well for you.