Larch: should I air layer or should I try to graft on seedlings for roots.

[crust]

Here is another problematic larch with a bad elongated columnar lower trunk and poor rootage. I thinned and wired it. I am contemplating implanting a substantial deadwood branch a third down from the top. More importantly I need to decide whether to attempt a air layer (at location marked by aluminum foil) or should I approuch graft small potted seedlings on for roots. What method does everyone think would be most expeditious.

 

[JudyB]

The roots don't look that bad from these pics, maybe it's deceiving...

 

[crust]

The roots don't look that bad from these pics, maybe it's deceiving...

They are missing on the left inside plus the whole thing is reverse tapered and to elongated. Don't you think mit would look better shorter anyway?

 

[jk_lewis]

I mean no offense, but I wonder why you're even working on this plant. Does it have something I don't see?

 

[crust]

I mean no offense, but I wonder why you're even working on this plant. Does it have something I don't see?

I am working the plant because I have it and it is established and it is not the run of the mill larch. Originally it was a taller thing I collected from a swamp in a stroke of delusion. The plant is realitively large with a base as big as a 1 lb coffee can and has some interest and old bark but yes it is not for everyone. I think if I could root it at the line I marked it would be much better.

 

[amkhalid]

I think almost any larch with bark is worth working on... but then again, I'm biased. I agree to get the best out of this tree, you need to shorten it.

Hmmm... I initially was going to say layer, but my limited experience layering larch is that it is that roots don't emerge radially. With grafting you are guaranteed a good radial root system. Either way, the nebari will be buried for years and will take a long time to blend into the trunk.

I would also definitely extend the shari upwards.

 

[raydomz]

To be quite honest..I think this tree is bad ass.
I think at a certain point there are those trees which will one day become idealized bonsai forms and there are those trees which are just naturally better suited to be the tree that they have already become. The rootage is a problem, but I would err on the side of root grafts to help with that problem. I'd hate to see a naturally beautiful(ugly is beautiful too!) turned in to something it was never meant to be.

 

[JudyB]

I think I would carve and graft, as opposed to air layer. I cover the lower part of the tree, and it just looks shorter, not better. If you gave it some interest such as your implanted jin, (and maybe a bit of carving) it would carry the bottom off better. I agree with Ray...

 

[raydomz]

I cover the lower part of the tree, and it just looks shorter, not better.

Yes!
Embrace the nature of this tree, you won't be sorry.

 

[crust]

I think almost any larch with bark is worth working on... but then again, I'm biased. I agree to get the best out of this tree, you need to shorten it.

Hmmm... I initially was going to say layer, but my limited experience layering larch is that it is that roots don't emerge radially. With grafting you are guaranteed a good radial root system. Either way, the nebari will be buried for years and will take a long time to blend into the trunk.

I would also definitely extend the shari upwards.

The shari is undefined and needs to be extended and carved up for sure. I have 25 larch seedlings on order from my county soil ands water district. I find these babies are great for this sort of stuff. They are small and well rooted. Better than if I had collected swamp seedlings. I will do it in April (I tell myself this sternly).

 

[crust]

I think I would carve and graft, as opposed to air layer. I cover the lower part of the tree, and it just looks shorter, not better. If you gave it some interest such as your implanted jin, (and maybe a bit of carving) it would carry the bottom off better. I agree with Ray...

I will graft in seedlings for roots but the lower section is very fence-posty even with a Jin interest it bothers me.

 

[tom tynan]

Grafting the small larch at the base should work. You might want to think about thread grafts as well. Pick a few different size (diameter) seedlings so there is some variety. I think the left or inside angle where the trunk meets the soil is where you need to focus - here it is visually weak - it should have some robust roots to anchor the tree. Layering larch is not easy esp. with a trunk this size. In Nick Lenz's book he shows a few monster larch that he layered. Get the crown fuller at the top and so you can get a back branch - the tree needs some depth esp. with a huge trunk. Lots to work with here - it just needs time. Good luck. Tom

 

[JudyB]

OK, here's a crazy idea, just ignore it if you like.
How about air layering at the top of the shari? You'd have a pretty cool cascade, and then the bottom could become a different entity entirely. That is if it'll throw new buds on the lower part after....
But I still like it as is with some interest added in the lower part.

 

[JudyB]

OK, here's a crazy idea, just ignore it if you like.
How about air layering at the top of the shari? You'd have a pretty cool cascade, and then the bottom could become a different entity entirely. That is if it'll throw new buds on the lower part after....
But I still like it as is with some interest added in the lower part.

 

[crust]

OK, here's a crazy idea, just ignore it if you like.
How about air layering at the top of the shari? You'd have a pretty cool cascade, and then the bottom could become a different entity entirely. That is if it'll throw new buds on the lower part after....
But I still like it as is with some interest added in the lower part.

Gee you have a wild mind Miss Judy!

 

[smjmsy00]

any updates on this tree?

 

[Paulpash]

I hope the OP went for grafting. Larch isn't a reliable air layer candidate.

 

[M. Frary]

I hope the OP went for grafting. Larch isn't a reliable air layer candidate.

Crust has forgotten more about larch than most of us will ever know.

 

[smjmsy00]

any update on this larch? Personally I liked it as it was. Also can anyone point me to information about grafting larch?

 

[smjmsy00]

any update on this larch? Personally I liked it as it was. Also can anyone point me to information about grafting larch?

like scion selection, timing, etc. or is it no different than... pines for instance?