From Wrecked to Radial (Yes, I spent real time thinking of that title.)

[DonovanC]

I collected this American Elm last spring, and it’s done really well since. I checked out the roots this spring and there was a clump of roots on one side and a few little roots on the other - I sorted the roots as well as I could and buried it deep. I didn’t have any sphagnum moss so it’s just in my regular soil mix. So hopefully the next repot reveals something more radial.

Having said that: Anyone care to share their radial root success stories? Worst root base you’ve ever sorted out? From wrecked to radial?

Advice?
2019
2019
2020

 

[HorseloverFat]

Neat! I LOVE the direction you are taking it!

I have a Rosa multiflora with a main “trunk”(ex-root ) that resembles this Elm’s “main” trunk.

That shape is very pleasing to the eye.

Keep it updated!



(My skillsets are not specific to the ADVICE you requested.. sorry. Just like your tree.)

 

[DonovanC]

Neat! I LOVE the direction you are taking it!

I have a Rosa multiflora with a main “trunk”(ex-root ) that resembles this Elm’s “main” trunk.

That shape is very pleasing to the eye.

Keep it updated!



(My skillsets are not specific to the ADVICE you requested.. sorry. Just like your tree.)

Thank you!
Your approval makes up for your lack of advice lol

 

[sorce]

Airlayer Early, Airlayer Often.

We probably waste a combined millions of years messing with unworthy roots. Ok maybe thousands, but it's ridiculous.

Sorce

 

[Eckhoffw]

Shoot!
I thought I was going to see some sweet
Root!

 

[DonovanC]

Airlayer Early, Airlayer Often.

We probably waste a combined millions of years messing with unworthy roots. Ok maybe thousands, but it's ridiculous.

Sorce

That seems so obvious but for some reason I just never considered it. I was just looking at your post with the airlayer disk. I’ve actually never succeeded at one, so I guess I avoid the thought.
The tree is already pretty squat, so perhaps a ground layering is in order next year? Surely I wouldn’t dare this time of year... right?
I admittedly have no hands on experience with air layering.

 

[DonovanC]

Shoot!
I thought I was going to see some sweet
Root!

So sorry there is nothing to see here

 

[Eckhoffw]

So sorry there is nothing to see here

Haha! That’s ok. I’ll check back next repot!

Gotta try that radialayer TM

The damn squirrels got into my sphagnum bags looking for.........The golden acorn?
I was not successful with the 3 air layers I attempted this season.

 

[DonovanC]

Haha! That’s ok. I’ll check back next repot!

Gotta try that radialayer TM

The damn squirrels got into my sphagnum bags looking for.........The golden acorn?
I was not successful with the 3 air layers I attempted this season.

Those pesky rodents smh Lol
I’m nervous to attempt it - but I think it’s my option at this point. I’ve never had any success with airlayering - but these elms root really easily, so I’m kind of feeling confident. But at any rate, that’s next year so I have time to soak up as much knowledge as I can before bringing out the X-Acto knife

 

[River's Edge]

Your success at air layering will improve if you take the time to get a tree very healthy with lots of foliage first! Time spent in that direction will be worth it.

 

[sorce]

airlayer disk.

You can't fail!

Sorce

 

[rhawes]

I have no experience either but good Luck!!!

 

[Trenthany]

Do you have trees to trim? Practice layering on them. Puts off the chore for a few months at least! Lmao

 

[DonovanC]

Do you have trees to trim? Practice layering on them. Puts off the chore for a few months at least! Lmao

Lol
I’m going to do it next year or the year after. Like @River's Edge said, the more vigorous the tree it the better my chances are. So I want to give it time to recover.

 

[DonovanC]

I didn’t repot it this year. I’ll repot it next year and likely start the ground layer. I just wanted to share an update. I pruned and defoliated a week or two back. It’s recovering nicely.

 

[DonovanC]

I think I’m going with this as the front.
what do you think?