Steve,

The general idea in an airlayer is to remove all of the outer downward
flowing vessels but to leave most of the inner upward flowing vessels.
As a result leaving as much foliage as possible is good since it is
sending nutrients to the roots - roots that must be formed in your
airlayer. That is one of the reasons why you generally wait until the
leaves have hardened off a bit - they are producing the maximum amount
of food. The only danger is soon after you make the ring when you may
have cut a bit deep so it is a good idea to mist the foliage or protect
it a bit from drying for about a week.

Marty

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Jerry Meislik++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++