First attempt a air layer

[Badge30]

started this I early June. Kept spagnum moss moist This week I noticed leaves above air layer shriveled and brittle. Leaves below layer fine. Scraped branch above layer and it was green. Should I have defoliated before attempting air layer?

 

[penumbra]

Pretty sure it is a failed air layer.

 

[Badge30]

There are a few roots But I’m sure you’re right.

 

[penumbra]

There are a few roots But I’m sure you’re right.

Wow! There are roots? You might be ok but you need to push growth now before weather cools.
You might want to cut the air layer back some ... do it before it gets any later in summer.

 

[Badge30]

will do thanks.

 

[RJG2]

Should I have defoliated before attempting air layer?

For future reference here, the answer is no. You need the foliage, especially the tips, to push auxins down - this is what signals to produce roots.

 

[Badge30]

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it. This was a test before I air layer my Sharps Pigmy in the spring of 22.

 

[0soyoung]

The problem that goes with what you're describing is death of the cambium immediately below the girdle. Take a look.


As @RJG2 said, you need foliage to generate roots on acer palmatum. You have no foliage to generate more roots. If your layer had enough roots to support the 'layer', it would not have toasted foliage. So, it is over/done.

 

[Badge30]

The problem that goes with what you're describing is death of the cambium immediately below the girdle. Take a look.


As @RJG2 said, you need foliage to generate roots on acer palmatum. You have no foliage to generate more roots. If your layer had enough roots to support the 'layer', it would not have toasted foliage. So, it is over/done.

Got it. Thank you.

 

[Vali]

Look for pests. Something like this happened to me last year. The tree was attacked by scale. All the leaves turned red like it was autumn. The tree recovered this year and I'm waiting for the roots. That is if the cambium isn't dead, like 0soyoung said

 

[Badge30]

It was. R.I.P. A learning experience.

 

[BrightsideB]

Did you have roots? Maybe try leaving a small bridge in between the girdle. Takes longer to get roots but you won’t loose the branch if it fails. I did that on my first layers. I never took them off and the layer grew roots (took longer) and eventually calloused over the girdle and wound. Now has dried roots hanging off the branch lol. But I think some cultivars do better with a bridge as well is the layer being in part shade. Some root better then others.

 

[Badge30]

Thanks for your advice. Already in the burn pile.
Appreciate all the advice.