I started 4 air layers on my 1 in-ground tree on September 3rd. All 4 are showing decent root development and are probably ready for removal and potting. Given how late in the season it is, should I remove the air layers now or allow the tree to go dormant? My fear is that a frost will damage the tender roots if I keep the layers attached to the tree until dormancy. I've already lost a few leaves to a frost last week. If I remove the layers now, should they be potted and brought inside to continue growth or should they be potted and allowed to go dormant? I plan on planting all 4 trees in the ground next spring, although I may give 1 or 2 away, depending on how greedy I feel next spring ;)
Thanks!

If they still have leaves on them, leave them on the tree for further root development. Photosynthesis from the leaves drives root production. When there is danger of damaging cold weather, remove them, pot them up and bring them indoors, or greenhouse, for the winter, to continue rooting. Letting them continue to develop roots, and even leaves over the winter makes them stronger and healthier for spring.

Thank you! Our nights are getting into the upper 30s or low 40s so I may have another few weeks before a hard freeze comes. If I keep the plants active during the winter, will they bear fruit next year? Can I keep them active indoors for a couple months then force them into dormancy in my attached garage for a month? It doesn't (or shouldn't) get below freezing in there. Ideally, I'd like to get fruit from them but if it's not in the tree's best interest, I won't let them go dormant. I'm just not sure how my wife will feel about 4 five foot trees in the house! These are big air layers taken from the 8 or so suckers that the mother tree put out. I've not gotten any ripe fruit from the mother tree yet...it's in its 3rd year but died to the ground the first winter and had some tip death last year. I've also not pinched to encourage lateral growth.

Generally the goal of an air-layer is to have an additional plant. I would want to see a good season's growth before pushing to get fruit. Although extending the growing season through the winter might get yo there sooner. Concentrate on developing a healthy new plant, so that you effort/success so far is not wasted, and let the fruiting take care of itself, when it is ready.