dirk hoorelbeke
Omono
Trunk chop is a good option. For letting it close you will need growth. It is an option to shop it a little higher, remove all the new growth from the chop (elms keep growing...), wire the branches without the risk of tearing them. After a year use a dremel to remove the bulk and make a nice v cut.
BUT
When you want to layer, you need good growth first to promote maximal root growth (this will give the tree more chances to do a 360° success). Best is to slip-pot the under stock to have maximal growth. Then perform the airlayer (late spring) and remove the layer when ready. This way you have nice roots and those will have time to evolve when you are waiting for the chop to close. Make sure not to disturb the roots to much when chopping. It might be an option to chop when you remove the layer. All in one go... The resulting tree might be a bit to large for mame. Start with younger material so big chops and wounds are not necessary. Take cuttings before the chop. 30 trees to play with... You can wire them now so they hold their shape before you remove them. Wiring the cuttings is also an option but more difficult.
BUT
When you want to layer, you need good growth first to promote maximal root growth (this will give the tree more chances to do a 360° success). Best is to slip-pot the under stock to have maximal growth. Then perform the airlayer (late spring) and remove the layer when ready. This way you have nice roots and those will have time to evolve when you are waiting for the chop to close. Make sure not to disturb the roots to much when chopping. It might be an option to chop when you remove the layer. All in one go... The resulting tree might be a bit to large for mame. Start with younger material so big chops and wounds are not necessary. Take cuttings before the chop. 30 trees to play with... You can wire them now so they hold their shape before you remove them. Wiring the cuttings is also an option but more difficult.
