Air layering is a process of taking cuttings from a healthy tree and inserting them into the soil.
It is a really easy way to grow new trees.
Air layering has been around for centuries and it has been used to propagate many different plants.
It can be used on most types of trees, like shrubs, or even palm trees.
Over the years I have learned about the process from my friend’s dad who does tree care and has been involved in the industry for over a decade.
The process is when you grow a tree on its roots, it will focus its energy towards growing to reach the light.
It usually grows quickly which can stress out the tree.
This is when layering or grafting is performed so that the new tree will grow with a well-established root system.
What is air Layering?
Air layering is a method of grafting that involves placing the scion (the part of the tree to be grafted) in a container filled with air, as opposed to soil, and then covering it with a plastic bag.
The plastic bag is sealed and air pressure from the surrounding area forces moisture out of the scion.
This process allows the new tree to grow roots in the old tree thus increasing its chances of survival.
The trees that are best for air layering are those with thick bark, as this will give them extra protection against insects and diseases.
The trees should also be at least five years old, as they will have developed enough sapwood to make it easier to remove the bark from their trunks.
The process of air layering is relatively easy, especially for the tree that has already been cut down.
How To Air Layer Plant?
The tree needs to be cut at ground level, preferably around the trunk.
The individual cuts should not be more than 4-5 inches long.
After cutting, you must take care not to break off any leaves or twigs in the process.
If you do not have a tree saw, you can use a regular handsaw or even a knife.
The best time to cut your tree is in the fall after the leaves have fallen off, but before it freezes.
Fill a bucket with water and put your tree in it.
Be sure to saturate the entire roots of your tree, not just the top layer.
Fill up the bucket with new water every three days or so, until you have water for about 2 weeks straight. You should see signs of new growth in your air layer plant.
Steps to Layering or Grafting:
1. Dig a hole in the ground where you want the tree to be placed at least 10 inches deep and place your tree roots in it.
2. Fill up the hole with soil, making sure there are no gaps between the bottom of the hole and the top of your tree roots.
3. Lightly cover your tree trunk with mulch or compost to help retain moisture in the soil.
4. Stand back up, and watch as you gradually see more leaves coming out from your grafts/layers above ground.
Trees That Can Be Air Layered
Many popular plants for air layering include but are not limited to Acer, Camellia, Chaenomeles, Daphne, Ficus, Forsythia, Hamamelis, Jasmine, Philodendron, Mango trees, Jackfruit trees, Oranges, Lemon, and Grapefruit tree and many more.
What Are The Benefits Of Air Layering Trees?
Trees That Can Be Air Layered
The benefits of air layering include:
-
Air Layering doesn’t require expensive tools or skills
-
It’s easy to do on your own
-
You don’t need much space for it because you can do it in pots or containers
-
It’s an environmentally friendly way to repot a plant-It’s free
-
It avoids the shock of moving a plant that could result in root damage
-
You can control the temperature and humidity of your baby plant
-
It’s a great way to propagate plants
-
The baby plant is well rooted and established in its new home before being removed from its mother plant-
-
It saves time, money, and energy
-
The downside is that you can’t always tell if the baby plant will survive.
How to Plant a Tree in the Right Location
When planting a tree in the right location, you will need to take into account the following factors:
1. The type of tree you are planting
2. The soil type and moisture content
3. The size of the tree you are planting
4. The size of your garden or yard
5. The time of your planting
6. The sun exposure and wind exposure
7. Your climate.
What are the Best Trees for Air Layering?
The best trees for air layering are those that are healthy and provide plenty of branches with long trunk. These include Orange, Lime, and Mango trees.
To air layer a tree, the tree should be at least 10 feet tall, but no taller than 20 feet.
Trees with trunks that are more than 6 inches in diameter are also good choices for air layering because they will have more roots to work with when the process is complete.
The best time to do this is in the spring when there are new shoots on the plant that require air layering for growth.
However, they will have enough leaves on them to keep them alive while they undergo this procedure.
Does Air Layering Work on All Trees?
No. Some experts say that this method does not work on all trees.
They believe that the best way to graft trees is by using ground layering which requires digging up and burying part of the root system.
Air layering has been used for over 100 years and it has been used successfully on many different types of trees including bonsai trees, fruit trees, and even some large-scale conifers.
