Removing cork elm air-layer ??

[nathanbs]

Is it correct to assume that removing a cork elm air-layer that has plenty of roots is best to do the same time of year as a repot?? Just as buds are swelling before they open??

 

[Poink88]

Is it correct to assume that removing a cork elm air-layer that has plenty if roots is best to do the same time of year as a repot?? Just as buds are swelling before they open??

I would think that will be okay. Usually air layer is removed before winter because of risk of freezing.

 

[nathanbs]

Unless you live somewhere that hardly ever freezes. Is there a secondary period, like you are saying fall before winter? That would give me another growth season for more roots

 

[gergwebber]

Really?

you are leading into this thread topic like that????

come on, details man, pics you know the drill.I have been waiting for muranaka's update to this blog(posthttp://muranakabonsainursery.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html) for months, and you have one going too? I think you are in relatively new territory. but certianly Id seperate with bud swell, or when ever you have best luck with repotting cork oaks.<------sorry, stupid reading defect there


edit:you are getting a thumbs up anyway

 

[discusmike]

Wait till spring as you mentioned.

 

[nathanbs]

I have bud swell now. So it's either now or fall or ???. Cuttings do well after leaf hardening so my logic would be either repot time(now for me) or cutting time in 2 months. Any other words of wisdom?

 

[Poink88]

In your case (as you described it & considering your mild weather), I will do it now.

 

[bwaynef]

Is it correct to assume that removing a cork elm air-layer that has plenty of roots is best to do the same time of year as a repot?? Just as buds are swelling before they open??

I am no botanist, though I do work in the basement of one of the buildings where they teach Biology ...and there's a botany lab down here as well.

I can't think of a physiological reason why it would be harmful to sever the roots on an airlayer at any time. For trees that can be airlayered in one season the thinking is to airlayer them in the fall to give the plant time to support itself on its own before dormancy ...but mostly so that the airlayer can be protected in winter.

If you've already overwintered the tree, the urgency for severing has passed. The only reason/time I can come up with for severing the tree is AFTER leaf out. This way, the initial roots are able to help with the "expense" of leafing out, and the airlayer roots can take over after the heavy lifting is done. For that reason, I'd wait. I've also never had a successful airlayer that I've had to overwinter, so I have no experience with what I've mentioned. You've got my thoughts though.

 

[bwaynef]

The only reason/time I can come up with for severing the tree is AFTER leaf out.

That said, I don't think you'll endanger the tree if you're sure it has sufficient roots to support itself once removed.