Just a reminder that vigorous growth is happening to most of our trees right now.  From now until July, (for most of us) is the best time to begin air layers so they can root, be separated from mama tree, and get established on their own before they go dormant.  I have a few going on now, but I'm also waiting on some more growth from smaller trees before robbing the branch for the summer.  Good luck to everyone.  If you've never air layered, don't be intimidated!  It's the easiest way to clone a tree.  Expect 6-8 weeks of rooting before being able to remove from the parent tree.

A good timely reminder, Frank. I have a few to do. Especially St. Jean and Black Madeira, which are both tough to start from cuttings. Thanks

Good reminder Frank. I set many last month and also giving some smaller trees time to put on more growth.

I started a layer on a Negronne a few weeks ago. When I get home from this trip I hope it is going well. The tree I am doing it on is only two years old, but this year it is covered in little figlets. I want to share a clone with a friend. If it takes this will be my first successful airlayer. I tried two last  year, but it was late in the season and neither one made it.

 Thank you Frank for the reminder.. I didnt realize this was the time and I want to try a few of the clever ways you guys have of doing this.

It is important to note the timing is not right for the deep south.  Temps are still too high in August and September to remove the layer from the parent tree.

James, when would be a good time for south central texas? I plan to get my grandson to learn to air-layer on my old Texas White Everlasting this week or next.

Thank you for the thoughtful reminder Frank.
I have never tried air layering but I have been considering doing so and I started this weekend. Since I had no actual time to do it (I plant to give this a try with about 9 different plants at the same time) I did start by finding the plastic bottles, gathering the materials, and I have everything ready.

At this point I do have minor internal conflict:  Do I take out a bit of the bark or not...  and If I do: rooting hormone, or Honey on the wound...?  Any suggestion?

Regards.

Yep ...I started a few l

Jerry,

I started mine after 09.15 to be removed sometime in November before the first freeze.  If protected from freezing temps, they will continue to establish roots all winter long even if their top stays dormant.  

If the roots aren't established enough the tree will struggle due to more water leaving the leave then the roots can provide.

Thanks for the extra info Guys!  I have started the process now. Wish me luck!  ---I will need it!

Gene,

My trees in Texas are growing in the ground. They are mostly quiet during July and August, then begin a period of rapid growth in September. If you want a head start on air layers, search the forum for etiolating. That process starts the conversion of limbs to roots before the growing medium goes on.

Separated 1st AL of the season yesterday. Started on 4/23. :)

Those roots look VERY nice.  Awesome job, Danny.  I started a few more last week.

Thank you very much, Frank.  I did a little experimenting this year; girdle vs. no girdle.  Over 20 AL's on right now.  Girdling wins hands down for speed of rooting and volume of roots.

Interesting! I have been girdling but will make sure to do that every time. Thanks Danny.

<Girdling wins hands down for speed of rooting and volume of roots.>

+1,I've over 40 hanging,all girdled.If they're green,support them.

Hi nycfig,
You still had space for more trees ? How could that be ? :P