April 2014 Meeting

The following slide show illustrates how to utilize the "air layering" technique to propagate a new tree from an existing host tree. By air layering a tree, you can get your own '2 for 1' deal! We are very spoilt to have many experienced members in the club, such as Craig. They are all very encouraging and happily pass on their knowledge and advice when asked.

Other trees being worked on or displayed

Cut around the bark at the place where you want the new roots to grow for the 'new' upper tree.

All done. Ten minutes work to get a new tree in a few months. Remember to cover with black plastic too. Check for white roots in a few months. Keep the medium moist as you water normally . Thanks Craig!

The host tree. Swamp cypress grown from a cutting. approx 8 yrs old? The leader has been left to grow on. Half way through presentation.... But how to make the cut?

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You get a new identical tree to the host
you can air layer thick branches and 'rapidly' obtain a tree with a good thick trunk (as opposed to growing from seed)
several can be done to the one tree and so you get multiple trees from the one host
some trees are difficult to grow from seed
you can 'correct' a tree that has poor root structure by developing a whole new better set of roots
you can reduce the height of a tree without losing the beneft of strong growth.