How to Air Layer a Tree
Start air layering in the spring.. Choose a branch from last season's growth that's thicker than a pencil.. Remove the foliage and twigs 3 inches (7.6 cm) around a leaf node.
Steps
Start air layering in the spring.
Start air layering in the spring.
Choose a branch from last season's growth that's thicker than a pencil.
Choose a branch from last season's growth that's thicker than a pencil.
Remove the foliage and twigs 3 inches (7.6 cm) around a leaf node.
Remove the foliage and twigs 3 inches (7.6 cm) around a leaf node.
Make 2 parallel cuts through the bark so they go around the branch.
Make 2 parallel cuts through the bark so they go around the branch.
Peel the ring of bark off of the branch.
Peel the ring of bark off of the branch.
Scrape the exposed wood with the knife blade.
Scrape the exposed wood with the knife blade.
Apply a rooting hormone to the exposed wood.
Apply a rooting hormone to the exposed wood.
Moisten a handful of sphagnum moss in clean water.
Moisten a handful of sphagnum moss in clean water.
Wrap the sphagnum moss around the exposed wood.
Wrap the sphagnum moss around the exposed wood.
Cover the moss with a plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Cover the moss with a plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Leave the branch on the tree until the moss fills with roots.
Leave the branch on the tree until the moss fills with roots.
Fill half of a pot with drainage holes with potting soil.
Fill half of a pot with drainage holes with potting soil.
Cut the branch off just below the new roots.
Cut the branch off just below the new roots.
Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the roots.
Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the roots.
Set the roots in the soil and backfill the pot.
Set the roots in the soil and backfill the pot.
Water the soil so it's moist 2 in (5.1 cm) below the surface.
Water the soil so it's moist 2 in (5.1 cm) below the surface.
Keep the tree in a shady area out of direct sunlight.
Keep the tree in a shady area out of direct sunlight.
Plant the new tree in the ground during the next spring.
Plant the new tree in the ground during the next spring.
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