Spring Pruning Japanese Maple & Airlayering

In this video I prune and air layer a maple bonsai.
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[@captainawesome4983]

Does anyone else hit the 👍🏼 button before you even watch the episode 😂 or is it just me? Best regards from from Oregon ♥️🇺🇸

[@MidniteSan]

I did that too 👍, washington state now stuck in south east asia here. 😁

[@ainsygray]

Yeh same here , it's no clickbait incredibly genuine we all want him to get success on youtube

[@coronnation8854]

Every time with Peter

[@jasonsaylor7983]

Oregon is in the house.

[@rsa420]

Me too as I normally get caught up in Peters magic and tend to forget to like at the end

[@leemartinez1203]

2 mins into the video and Peter already added wisdom to me.

[@rachelwalton3772]

Fascinating, thank you from New Zealand. Glad you're enjoying our moss.

[@kiwibonsai2355]

🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@rajahdoha]

Walk in with 1 Bonsai, walk out with 4 Bonsai, Cool :)

[@deft1abc1]

"I always look for the good points. I never look for the bad, in anything."

[@zebulonyoung6573]

It’s already been said, but I’m going to add my voice: please, please post updates as that big air layer progresses. We want to see the outcome.

[@PBKB]

This video he made a year ago shows some: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZzQZpSMna6Wbck if you just want to see general air layer harvesting (has some really big ones).

[@MidniteSan]

Must have been nail biting for the owner watching Peter cut big branches and prune like that, I know I would 😁. Those big Deshojo should grow new branches in no time. Bravo Peter 👍, wish we could see the update on them someday. Cheers 👍

[@alicer3423]

David says "Go for it" He has a lot of faith in you Mr. Chan. As we all do.

[@IlkkaVuoristo]

When I saw the big tree I was sure that we would see some radical sawing. :D

[@funky6961]

We always enjoy air layerings

[@leongouws9104]

Being new at this, I didn't know you could do this (airlayering). My wife and I watch your videos in bed and it's very enjoyable as well as a good way to fall asleep. We also want to come and visit you Peter. Greetings from South Africa

[@BLEACH500]

Thank you for showing the bridge i never knew that good to always have another feather in the hat

[@MrBlackbamboo]

Watching a master at work teaching how to air layer is a treat for me many thanks' for your videos Peter

[@lesliehiles3122]

Please don't lose any love or respect for the future of the growing of the tree that is in growth ✨ 🙏 is important on the raising of the gardening that takes Time to see the beauty

[@suer666]

Fantastic I would love to see follow up videos of the air layered trees progress

[@samhradh1680]

I have never had a Bonsai. But since I stumbled into this channel a few weeks ago I just cannot get enough of these videos!! LOVE to watch your expertise make it all look so supersimple (which i am sure it is not.... :-) ). Thank you for sharing your knowledge. The next time I am in England I will visit and get my first ever Bonsai from your Nursery :-)

[@rsa420]

Dont wait get started now you will be addicted in no time

[@samhradh1680]

@@rsa420 You might be right ;-) I have some small spruce here from last christmas. Maybe I should just give it a go and see how far I get with it .....

[@rogerhuppertz5138]

I also newbee . Never made bonsai or had one but i make from drift wood big cat treehouses. i gonna try this in the future with my old grape bush.....

[@Kitty-tc3oh]

How can you not like this video? Loved it!!

[@ajadrew]

It's only due to Peter that I've reshaped my 3 Maple trees - I never had the courage, ie, didn't know how/what to do. And now all 3 have really taken shape so thank you from Essex 😊 👍

[@Zach-ls1if]

Peter Chan exudes confidence and instills a sense of calm.

[@markusengel5008]

Thank you Peter and also the owner of the trees to show us how to treat trees like that. I guess one or the other viewer will have the same kind of trees, I got one or two :-) , so this video helps a lot to sharpen the view and not to be too anxious to make drastic decisions followed by heavy cuting. Thank you from the northern part of Germany.

[@jennifergilder-farooq9540]

He is a master at what he does absolutely lovely

[@mase7962]

You will see allways the good one at the Tree. Verry nice …!

[@Gbhmagic]

Cool. Im about to air layer mine today so great timing!

[@EliotChildress]

I air layered yesterday lol. Oh well. Looks like I did it mostly right.

[@phasicsbonsaiworld6902]

All I can say is: BRILLIANT!

[@joshvanhyfte6376]

Thanks to the master for sharing his knowledge

[@felcammazzaro2178]

I learn more in this video that in my entire high-school 😅 There are so many great, wise phrases that sometimes sounds even funny ! But I will take : “Once you have decided what to do…. The rest is easy!!! 👏🏽 😅 Take me like 3 hours to planing the pruning and then 3 hours more to do it, not even talk about wiring the branches😂 It is my second year learning this Art from the comments and the videos of this Señor ! Muchas Gracias 🌳

[@genegustafson715]

Sucessfully air layered a Red Oak last summer here in Colorado. Intended to remove it this summer, but high winds broke it below bark removal this early spring. Put in large pot with more sphagnum moss, had plenty of good roots, and will leave in pot for several years. I am going to work on taper while in pot. It is about 1 inch diameter base now, and doing very well.

[@margaretsims4344]

I like the way you see the potential in these trees, pointing out the good and not so good points. You teach us to look with fresh eyes Peter. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@catlady520]

I do hope you add to the video later to show the outcome.

[@JimmingtonSFO]

40 years late, but my education continues with this wisdom.

[@jaredgoh6857]

Great video!! :)

[@beardedbonsai]

Wow all time best Herons video. The decisions Peter makes and the detailed and understandable explanation of why are wonderful. Great Job!

[@wild_pachi]

Im a simple man, i see maples, i like the video :)

[@peterchan3100]

You are like me - simple man.

[@tomasferreirarubial1455]

👏👏👏 Greetings

[@juliancerveramadalena4678]

Thanks for the video. Regards from Spain

[@walker2837]

Now I'm anxious to try a first attempt at air layering. Excellent video.

[@Stettafire]

I am too, I have a Holly I want to air layer no idea if it'll work. I'm going to try it in the spring

[@nancyfahey7518]

Very nice. I didn't think to be more liberal with the moss and plastic.

[@ericcuti]

Very interesting exercise. Yes, I agree with the others that seeing an update after the air layered branches were removed would be a good follow-up video to this one. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Cheers!

[@connydonne3347]

Thanks Peter 👍👍👍👍👍

[@shantinu3059]

That tree looks like a dancer

[@maexchef]

Hey peter, Herbert Aigner and some others successfully air-layer Mugos in the mountains. Love your content, always watch them while doing bonsai pottery.

[@coachcollin]

Dear Peter. Hello from South Africa 🇿🇦. Your videos and your content are always inspiring. If possible, could you please do a video on the beautiful Japanese lanterns that you have around your wonderful nursery. Many thanks Dr Collin Naicker South Africa.

[@peterchan3100]

It never occurred to me to do that buy `I will one day.

[@coachcollin]

@@peterchan3100 That would be great. Thank you Peter. Stay safe and have a wonderful day.

[@EliotChildress]

How wet should the moss be? Dripping , if you squeeze water comes out or just damp?

[@peterchan3100]

Damp

[@EliotChildress]

@@peterchan3100 thank you :)

[@raymondplodzien7459]

Very educational video! Thank you.

[@RosarioCostanzo]

Beautiful masterclass!

[@noumine]

I love how decisive Mr Chan gets with the branches :D

[@Aiviymatoc]

i really like the original trees

[@jyothilavigne2263]

Another great video Peter! I’m a really nervous Nellie! I’ve been meaning to air layering a beautiful European beech but now after watching you do it again today, I’ve decided that tomorrow is d day! I’ll let you know how it went..

[@jyothilavigne2263]

You can find the origins of this saying on google. Unfortunately I’m hopeless at sending links etc so I can’t direct you exactly but you just have to type it in on search and the origins comes up immediately! I’m not making it up!

[@Nadine6528]

Today I bought the first Japanese maple ☺️❤️ Thanks for your videos 🙂👍

[@dmsvlcp]

Great video. Received my moss last Saturday. Will try my very first airlayering tomorrow

[@stevemurray6543]

Just a fabulous video. Thank you. Always looked forward to and very much appreciated.

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Thanks for the video Peter, now I have to go re-do my air layer, think I need a larger ball of moss, it's only been about a week so should be no roots yet. I am air layering above the graft which is the waterfall, the trunk below sprouted a very vigorous branch and has some tiny ones starting to sprout so it will look better without the graft.

[@almac2598]

Thanks Peter. Good lesson.

[@TheSnakeman3]

Nice instruction and give me ideas. Thanks.

[@cyndy338]

Master of maples! Great video! Love the shape of the smaller maple that wasn’t videotaped. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Warm wishes from your #1 fan in Florida! 🐊🌴🦩😎

[@rareplants2382]

Beautiful plant

[@MrEieio44]

Fig’s air layer very well also. Oh, and olive.

[@mczeti]

Fantastic video! One of your best ones i have to say! All the expertise and the quick an excellent decisions really struck me! Keep up the good work. I’m a fan 😊

[@herribertfinkenbrecht5015]

Very nice. How usual is it to airlayer a bonsai from a Full grown tree from the wild? Is That Even possible? Sometimes i See a Trunk and think That it would be a nice bonsai.

[@peterchan3100]

I have done air layerings of Hornbeams with 6-8 Inch diameter trunks - Easy.

[@mchlbk]

But please remember to ask for permission first. And be gentle, nature needs it's crooked, gnarled old trees too.

[@rsa420]

Stunning vid as always

[@evanthiel8087]

My goodness... last year there is no way I would have trim or clip a tree that way... Well this Spring just pickup up a beautiful light green seedlings from my land! My first 6 Maples did beautiful last summer and overwintering in pots! Thank you so very much! Pls know, I take notes of everything you say... pls do not hesitate and tell us how you reach your final design... Your kindness is so big!! Cheers from New England!!

[@craigomalley7687]

What a great video. Learned loads from this. Now know why my maple air layers failed - scraped them down to the wood. Ok on junipers but not maples. Thanks Peter.

[@browpetj]

Great info here Peter. I can't believe there is still an opinion on sealant/paste use. There should be no discussion on this stuff. The studies should have been done. There should be no argument at all, sealing is the way as you say. The scientific and horticultural waters are muddied due to the various formulations, application and aftercare protocols. The only reason opinion exists is becasue there is no written standard. Formulations change alot it seems. I'm sure people would be interested in the various formulations that you sell and that you have used in the past. I know some of the older Bayer products and many current products in Japan used very potent healing compounds. Bayer didn't have to state these inclusions back in the day. Now all of these useful products are banned in the UK - though in the Netherlands, horticulturalists have all the access to these compounds they want! Some dwarf azaleas I got from Holland a few years ago were treated with growth regulators and goodness knows what else. They shot out long internodes as soon as they cleared these growth regulators. Should not be allowed. UK should grow and develop it's own stocks and inventories now. You have done very well to develop the inventory you have. Please continue it indefinitely by training others. UK needs all the help it can get (not just in Bonsai). Did you get in touch with Bartholomey's for those grafts on your rare redwoods? They are very good commercially speaking. Scots pines for air layers are more work than deciduous. The optimal process takes advantage of the auxin distribution changes that causes back budding upon candle pruning in pines (scots pine being very strong in redistribution after candle pruning as you know). Some have advocated stripping needles as well but it depends very much on vigor and conditions. Would be interested in your experiences with pine air layers. I know your process doesn't allow exact conclusions due to uncontrolled variables. In anycase, it is an interesting body of experimental work (hampered by having to run a business of it no doubt).

[@peterchan3100]

Peter - you have a vast fund of knowledge and thanks for sharing. As regards the rare Dawn Redwoods - I should try making cuttings - in fact I will do so this week. The trees I have are massive with 6-8 inch diameter trunks. If you get a chance to visit our nursery - I will show them to you.

[@stephenpeterson7558]

from what i was told you need to air layer pines for over a year so i would assume the trick is to every 3 months re dress the wound and add more hormone

[@fredgrech1498]

You are a Genius

[@KyouMusicOfficial]

Almost first darn it! Love the videos, many have helped me in my own bonsai undertakings. Keep them coming! :)

[@maamounebt7953]

You are great ! I learned a lot for this particular video especially the first 4 min (much more than the others) :) Many Thanks

[@francescognesotto5245]

Great job

[@leemartinez1203]

My next trip to UK will include a visit to Peter's.

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

Thanks for the tip.

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

I found this thread about pine layering...www.bonsainut.com/threads/air-layer-pines.3770/

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

I found a pine some years after a flood. It had a huge pile of detritus built up around a large branch. I went to clean it out and was super surprised to find eyes sprouting into the detritus. The bark was intact completely... Make of this what you will.

[@hfestion.]

Great video!

[@brianwitton5061]

Wow that was brave.

[@Kjbrunzo]

Peter, I have successfully air layered 5 small branches of Japanese Black Pine last year (100% success). They are in individual pots and are growing on their own roots now. They are all about 2 times thicker than a pencil and 20 centimeters or so high. I do not take full credit for doing so, as I was inspired by someone named John Muranaka on his blog in California I believe. I personally accomplished these air layers in Indiana, U.S. zone 6a (cold hardiness zone) I plan to make a short video showing the process that worked for me on another channel.

[@jjjessee245]

Because I didn't know any better, I air-layered a wild Pitch Pine February 2020. I collected it at the end of June and nursed it through the summer in moss and perlite. I potted it the following year and it grows to this day. A trait of the Pitch Pine (P. rigida) is that it sometimes back-buds profusely, which may make it an exception to the the "pine doesn't layer" axiom.

[@ckennedy309]

Peter's sayn if you want, you can crack open that maple and just chug it. May be his preferred beverage. Straight maple. No chaser. It's why he'll hit 150.

[@joedirt2862]

The second tree has the structure i look for in yamadori. Removing the main trunk leaves a big scar that will take time to look better , but it's the fastest way to create taper. 2 years

[@theflyandthesea3091]

Wonderful video that evolved into the subject of air layering, allowing the problem to guide the content of this video. Masterful. Peter, question if I may regarding maintaining the air layer. What is the recommendation behind keeping the moisture in the air layer? Open the wrap and water as needed, similar as you would to keeping soil moist? Thank you in advance from the U.S. and I thoroughly enjoy your teaching style and bonsai content.

[@Zach-ls1if]

“I can air layer a dead pine bruh” Peter: “I don’t think you can, but I could be wrong so if you want to prove me wrong go ahead.”

[@brianjanku4549]

I use electrical tape to close the air layer.

[@mchlbk]

Me too. And zip ties sometimes.

[@Zach-ls1if]

I love when a true expert can say what people teach in colleges and confidently go against the accepted dogmas of their profession.

[@Zach-ls1if]

“Now it’s up to David to decide what he wants to do.” Me: “poor David “ David: “just go for it “ That’s the attitude buddy!

[@jimmie-faybeal508]

Hello Mr. Peter Chan, I love your program and I have gained so much from your generous teaching methods! I am just a gardner and a rancher. The reason I share this is our bulls took a stroll through part of my garden when a grandchild left a gate open. The bull walked over a flowering apricot and broke the base. Can I perform your air layering technique at the graft where rootstock and graft meet and expect to save it? If you can address this, I thank you. Sinerely, Jimmie-Fay Beal

[@peterchan3100]

Your bull has done you a favour. It has created a potential bonsai for you. We often find that when sheep and deer graze on shrubs and trees - those are the best trees to use for bonsai.

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

I have a Sugar Maple tree the issue maybe over 50 years old and was trimmed and from the cuts the maple syrup was just pouring out of the tree.

[@johnforth4896]

Peter Chan I’ll bet he could bring Noah’s staff back to life

[@FallOfTheLiving]

That first airlayer i am so unsure of, it is quite a nice branch that could be bent in many ways

[@webbastler839]

Great Work, i saw you used sphagnum-moos, but yours is green, seem to be life in it. Can i achieve the same result with dry package of sphagnum-moos? Thank you so much.

[@peterchan3100]

If you expose the moss to sunlight it will turn green and grow.

[@whereswalt2716]

Was hoping you could do one strictly on, the lions head maple.

[@anonymousindividual8148]

I was wondering what you think of keeping sweetgum trees as bonsai? I found a small sapling of one in my yard and I might turn it into a bonsai. The botanical name is Liquidambar or Liquidambar styraciflua

[@alext7074]

What is the ideal month to start air layering a red maple? I wanted to do it in July, but I reconsidered it.

[@mchlbk]

July is a little late in the year but don't worry. If it doesn't produce roots before winter just leave it and it will be ready sometime in spring next year.

[@SeanLKearns]

My guy just turned IKEA furniture into the mona Lisa.

[@8bitkame]

Love it

[@62adarshkumar46]

Hi peter, fan from India, i have seen in some nursery doing air layering to what they called Australian pines

[@peterchan3100]

What is the botanical name of that pine? It may not be a pine

[@62adarshkumar46]

@@peterchan3100 don't know the scientific name but the locals calls it false pines. Dont know why but it has long needles and small cones.

[@h.b.1421]

it could be Casuarina equisetifolia or Australian pine tree or whistling pine tree, but that is just from a quick internet search

[@peterchan3100]

@@62adarshkumar46 - If it is Casuarina the air layering will work . But I don't think it is the Pine family

[@62adarshkumar46]

Yes Peter it might be a Casuarina as it looks similar to a pine and also in India we dont find maples and pines generally.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

As the roots grow from the upper part and nothing is being transported upwards from the tree, why is it not possible to simply treat it as a large cutting and remove the branch completely?

[@nazguhl11]

Hi Peter, you think it could make sence to make some small holes about up to 1cm above the bark-cut for airlayering? where u put the hormons, so that they can reach into the bark? just some damage to the bark like u do when trying to produce new branches? anyway i will try it next year :P

[@BrendonVS80]

Hello Peter, great video thank you. Have you done videos on thread grafting on Trident maples yet?

[@peterchan3100]

I will do one on that.

[@BrendonVS80]

@@peterchan3100 thank you Peter, much appreciated. Regards from South Africa

[@Danonito_flavor]

I see in most sources that in 6-8 weeks you should have roots through. Is there any reason why we should wait 3-6 months as mentioned in the video? for healthier roots? or is it weather dependent?

[@peterchan3100]

Depends how well you did the air layer and depends also on the vigour and health of the tree.

[@leelamaduravala4056]

bonsai 👍👍👍🇱🇰❤️🌱

[@camoflag1]

mr chan you work so fast i was wondering is it important to prune branches at a certain point

[@glennplatvoet7111]

That's drastic ! It did make it better .why would you pay for a bad looking tree just to pay a professional to fix it?