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European beech air layer advice/opinions please
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Author:  rowlyh [ 17 Aug 2015, 14:53 ]
Post subject:  European beech air layer advice/opinions please
Hi all. I am seeking advice regarding timing for the separation of an air layer on a European beech (Fagus sylvatica). The layer was originally put on in May, 2014 but was 're-cut' during May of this year as the original had produced sparse, uneven rooting.
The layer had been carried out in order to shorten the trunk and hopefully produce a better nebari.

I today checked the air layer and found quite substantial rooting as can be seen from the photographs. Do members think that it is suitable for separation now or would it be prudent to wait until spring?

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Rowly
Author:  stymie [ 17 Aug 2015, 19:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: European beech air layer advice/opinions please
Yes. It should be OK with another six weeks of growth to settle it in. Avoid disturbing the new roots too much. Keep the split pot on as protection while you separate it. Situate it out of draughts and direct sun and don't make the mistake of removing the foliage which is feeding the roots through photosynthesis.
Author:  paulpash [ 17 Aug 2015, 20:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: European beech air layer advice/opinions please
Yeah I agree with Don - it's ready to be chopped. I'd give it a little dappled shade for a week to 10 days then bring it out. Leave the roots all this year and next year too then tease the moss out in 2017 and start arranging the roots (TIP: get yourself some wooden bbq skewers - they're great for flattening out a nebari and cutting to produce wedge separators.
Author:  rowlyh [ 17 Aug 2015, 23:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: European beech air layer advice/opinions please
Thanks Don and Paul.

Paul, could you please explain more the BBQ skewer thing?
Author:  paulpash [ 18 Aug 2015, 09:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: European beech air layer advice/opinions please
rowlyh wrote:
Thanks Don and Paul.

Paul, could you please explain more the BBQ skewer thing?


You'll find that when you comb out those roots the initial spread will all emerge from your upper cut but some will dive straight down following the ball shape of your moss or others will cross and need pushing apart so they travel radially from the trunk. Skewers are great for lifting up roots so you have a good nebari on one plane. Wedge the skewer using other roots as an anchor so it brings up the offending root to the same level. Cut the wooden skewer so it can be used as a wedge to push apart crossing roots. It's also excellent for teasing out the moss too! Tip: A 50 50 mix of moss and vermiculite will make life easier when it comes to switching substrate.
Author:  stymie [ 18 Aug 2015, 09:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: European beech air layer advice/opinions please
Good pointers from Paul but don't put the tree's health at risk by doing too much too early.
Author:  paulpash [ 18 Aug 2015, 17:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: European beech air layer advice/opinions please
Yep as I said above, this should be done in the spring of 2017 as they need time to lignify and to increase in mass. I also wouldn't prune in 2016 so that you get a good amount of root to work with.
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