Buds opening, tree said its time...

[cbroad]

Top growth is still vigorous!

Have you seen any new growth below the layer yet? That's always a sure sign things are working.

 

[just.wing.it]

Have you seen any new growth below the layer yet? That's always a sure sign things are working.

Yeah, it has been growing done the hair cut on the lower part.

 

[cbroad]

Sounds promising, I've only done 1 elm air layer and I think it took just under 2 months. If you haven't seen roots in a couple weeks, you might want to check to see if it bridged, though the cuts look decently far apart.

 

[just.wing.it]

Sounds promising, I've only done 1 elm air layer and I think it took just under 2 months. If you haven't seen roots in a couple weeks, you might want to check to see if it bridged, though the cuts look decently far apart.

I was wondering about bridging too...maybe I'll get in there with the tweezers and carefully have a peek.

 

[cbroad]

maybe I'll get in there with the tweezers and carefully have a peek.

Haha yeah I have restrain myself from doing that, it's like picking at a scab for me ??.

I really want to try the pot method with coarse soil like you did, but I know I couldn't keep it watered...

 

[just.wing.it]

Haha yeah I have restrain myself from doing that, it's like picking at a scab for me ??.

I really want to try the pot method with coarse soil like you did, but I know I couldn't keep it watered...

I have a thick layer of sphagnum infer and above the lava/pumice mix...and this mix was sifted smaller than usual.
I've been amazed at the water retention ability...but maybe thats becuase there's no roots...

 

[Saddler]

I would just give it more time. That’s not a huge amount of foliage above the cut. It’s a good amount, don’t get me wrong, but the more the better. I am pretty sure I have caused damage to the roots along the cut ending up with no roots there by being curious. It is either going to take or it isn’t. Ask yourself what is to be gained by digging around and how will you fix a problem if you see one? Even if it bridges, there is a good chance you will get roots anyways.

 

[Saddler]

And you did root work this year I just noticed. I know it’s an elm, but doing root work the same year I have done air layers killed my airlayers on a Japanese maple I am pretty sure because I took a layer the year before and after on that same tree with success. Have patience and you will be rewarded. Trees are obnoxious with their lack of haste sometimes.

 

[just.wing.it]

Even if it bridges, there is a good chance you will get roots anyways.

Thanks for replying!
This thought also crossed my mind...
I did however carefully tweeze around....very gently... I was happy to see roots...they were above the cut, I didn't dig down to the cut, but there are roots!
Yay!
I also decided to wrap it in aluminum foil, just in case the sun is making the soil near the edges too hot...its been crazy hot here lately...

Top growth has continued, untouched...
Bottom is filling in after its trim.

 

[just.wing.it]

One month after not seeing roots on the edges of my air layer container and applying the foil, I took a peek....

Success.
Time to separate...

 

[just.wing.it]

I will make a better cut on the bottom of the layer when spring repotting time comes around...and figure out what I'm keeping on top.
The bottom section, I'll let the leader run wild for a while...

 

[just.wing.it]

Phone glitch....2 sets of unwanted thumbnails....?

 

[cbroad]

Oh man, looking good! I know you're going to be happy with the bottom half!

What's your plan for the top half?

 

[just.wing.it]

Oh man, looking good! I know you're going to be happy with the bottom half!

What's your plan for the top half?

Thanks!
Not sure really, gonna try to build a good nebari and surface roots to create a decent transition from roots to stump.