Too late to air layer?

[Paul G]

I spotted a gorgeous 5 ft Acer P. for a reasonable price yesterday. I'll probably get it either way, and I plan to layer it into several trees. Am I waiting until next March/April, or is it not too late in the season? Michigan is still in the 40s at night. Apologies for not having a picture

 

[atlarsenal]

It’s not too late this year. Go for it!

 

[Paul G]

It’s not too late this year. Go for it!

Thanks!! Which is a better indicator, temperature, or length of day?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Temperature for sure.

 

[atlarsenal]

I start my layers when the first flush hardens. It may still be a little early for you.

 

[Paul G]

And what about sphagnum? I can get the dry peat, but I haven’t seen the live stuff Peter Chan uses around here. Any Michigan folks that can point me in the right direction?

 

[Lorax7]

You can do an air layer without sphagnum. Bonsai soil mix works too.

 

[Dav4]

So, I've started layers on A. palmatums before bud break, after the spring flush has hardened, and in late summer... https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/air-layer-in-late-summer.24510/... all layers were successful, though the ones started earlier in the year obviously had more roots by the end of the growing season. Bottom line is that there's a large window for layering, from late winter to late summer, though local climate will likely determine the ideal time.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

And what about sphagnum? I can get the dry peat, but I haven’t seen the live stuff Peter Chan uses around here. Any Michigan folks that can point me in the right direction?

I've used peat successfully, soak it overnight, wrap it up and never have to worry about watering it

 

[barrosinc]

So, I've started layers on A. palmatums- 1) before bud break, 2) after the spring flush has hardened off, and 3) in late summer... https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/air-layer-in-late-summer.24510/... all layers were successful, though the ones started earlier in the year obviously had more roots by the end of the growing season. Bottom line is that there's a large window for layering, from late winter to late summer, though local climate will likely determine the ideal time.

Somebody is looking for the personalised nickname! Hahaha with 100 to go... only 25 more 4x.

But yeah, Dave is right. Large windows, but depends on your climate

 

[PaulH]

I just did a bunch of air layers over the weekend. Japanese maples and Catlin elms.

 

[Paul G]

Well, I picked it up. Eventually I’ll try a layer down low above the graft, but to start I’ll try two or three from the upper third. How many is too many?

 

[j evans]

As many as you can care for is what I'd say but shoot for quality material or you'll end up with some material like some of mine, it's "nice junk".

 

[GreatLakesBrad]

And what about sphagnum? I can get the dry peat, but I haven’t seen the live stuff Peter Chan uses around here. Any Michigan folks that can point me in the right direction?

Amazon, New Zealand, soak it, works well. (GR)