I have a larger Trident Maple that I have had an air layer on since the
end of June. From what I can feel/see it is doing well and producing
quite a few roots. I want to let it go as long as possible but as I
approach our fall and winter seasons I wanted to get some advice on when
to separate. With only 2 or 3 months until winter I'm concerned about
the tender new roots.

If there are a lot of roots should I separate BEFORE winter and/or
BEFORE the leaves drop or should I leave the air layer on over the
winter. I assume I'll have to protect it from real harsh weather either
way but I wanted to see which would be safest.

I am in Zone 5
Thanks,
wmcorcor

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On 2 Sep 2004 at 9:25, Corcoran. Bil wrote:

If there are a lot of roots should I separate BEFORE winter and/or
BEFORE the leaves drop or should I leave the air layer on over the
winter. I assume I'll have to protect it from real harsh weather either
way but I wanted to see which would be safest.


If there are sufficient roots now, I'd separate it. Plant it in
a large pot with an organic soil containing a LOT of sphagnum
moss. Then keep it where soil won't freeze, but where the tree
will go through sufficiently low temps to go dormant.

I did something similar with a trident last fall and it did fine
-- but I'm warmer than you.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Bonsaiests
are like genealogists: We know our roots!

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If there are a lot of roots should I separate BEFORE winter and/or
Bill writes:

BEFORE the leaves drop or should I leave the air layer on over the
winter. I assume I'll have to protect it from real harsh weather either
way but I wanted to see which would be safest.

I am in Zone 5

Bill:

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. I have removed layers within 4 months with Maples. I have also seen layers in process for years.

Whether you remove it now and allow it time to acclimate to its new container, or keep it in place for the winter, you will need to keep the removed air layering or the layered tree in an environment where the temperature lingers above freezing, preferably at around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the layering is well along (an this were my tree), and you can execute the removal within the next week or so, I would do the removal.

If you can add some Akadama to the soil mix and flush the potted layering with liquid Roots, this will mitigate transplant shock.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com

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