I also started a main trunk air layer I picked up the tree 2 weeks ago and it didn't look quite as tall at the nursery as when I got it home, the top of the tree has such nice shape I didn't want to start hacking it up if you notice in the picture I added a little window so I could take a peek every now and then to see if the roots have reached the outside of the pot I like the idea of the upside down pot to hold up the layering pot might have to steal that idea LOL 

Hey Dave ,

Great idea about the window to view root formation . I think I'll be stealing that idea .
Thanks for posting pics .

John

Hey Noss,

I used a 2.5 inch hole saw on a drill . The wood is so pot wouldn't sink into the soil.

John

same as Johnparav a hole saw the same size as the trunk and a bigger one for the window 

Noss,

You can find the metal plate at home depot . They are for securing 2x4's together , they come in all shapes and sizes for 90 degree joints 45 degree etc .

John

Great thread John! I'm going to try this.

Thanks Dennis .

Just start it as early as possible if its a big tree and wait till fall to cut it . The roots will keep growing even if the tree drops its leaves as long as doesnt go below 43f or so . Then come spring you got yourself 2 trees .

John

these are amazing pictures of great job, guys!

Brovo. very nice. even insperatinal.

Very nice job demonstrating the air layering technique for the main trunk.  I was wondering about the open pot that you use over the airlayered area.  Do you add water to the pot on a regular basis? Also - do you add any liquid fertilizer to the air layered section during the process or just to the main rootball?  I'm planning on giving this technique a try.

Thank you very much.

very helpful post. thank you very much.

Maybe I can do that to this tree to get the bottom growth to grow.

Good thread. Thanks. Will try it on some tall trees growing in pots.

Bump for a great way to shorten a tree that's too tall.  Thanks to Pete (Bullet08) for finding it and Dennis (Snaglpus) for suggesting it.  I wish I'd known about it before I risked my Panache's crop this year.

That is just incredible! THANKS! Great thread!

Just did this to a tree i cant reach to the top. Thanks for all the helpfull pictures and do you separate the two during the fall? Or after it goes dormant?