Use branches for nebari?

[Jaberwky17]

While there are a ton of discussions on grafting for nebari via thread/approach techniques, I couldn't find anything on using really low branches. I have a scots pine in the ground that has a few really tiny branches that are right at the soil line. I'm thinking they could be used to create nebari and I wouldn't have to worry about matching scions. Two year plan - first year, grow the branches as they are and set up air layer at the ends to promote roots. Looking for pencil thickness and they are smaller than that now. Second year, air layer comes off and the rooted end goes in the soil. The new "root" then needs a surface graft to get it attached to the main trunk. My guess is this needs to wait for a third year to allow the new roots on the air layered branches to take hold.

Or can I simply "plant" the needled end of these little guys in the soil right now and let it grow roots?

 

[Poink88]

I've thought of this before but never got around doing it.

My plan (simpler than yours) is to ground layer the low (soil level) branch almost like a raft, then once it rooted, remove the foliage end and hopefully the flow reverses and the branch turns into a root. I know some plants allow this to happen but not all.

Maybe worth trying?

 

[Jaberwky17]

So simple

I've thought of this before but never got around doing it.

My plan (simpler than yours) is to ground layer the low (soil level) branch almost like a raft, then once it rooted, remove the foliage end and hopefully the flow reverses and the branch turns into a root. I know some plants allow this to happen but not all.

Maybe worth trying?

See, my problem is I got so interested in the idea I didn't consider the mechanics - flow direction. Thanks.