How to Air Layer With a Grafting Knife
- 1). Select a limb on the tree that is easily accessible and that is free from disease.
- 2). Use a piece of chalk to draw a line completely around the entire limb of the tree. It's best to draw the line at least one foot from the trunk of the tree.
- 3). Draw a second circle of chalk underneath the first chalk line. The distance between the two chalk lines should be approximately the same size as the width of the limb.
- 4). Use a knife to cut 1/8 inch deep into the first chalk line. Continue the cut along the entire chalk line so that the cut encircles the tree limb.
- 5). Use the knife to make an 1/8 inch cut into the second chalk line. Continue the cut around the entire chalk line until it encircles the tree limb.
- 6). Insert the knife into the grooves of one of the cuts and scrape off the bark located between the two chalk lines. Remove all of the bark and green wood until a layer of white wood is exposed.
- 7). Wrap a piece of fine grade wire tightly around the tree limb 1/4 of an inch below the first chalk line. Pull the wire tight, but do not press it into the wood. Tie the wire off by twisting the ends together several times. Cut off the excess wire with scissors.
- 8). Open the bottle of rooting hormone and apply it to a clean cloth. Apply the rooting hormone over the entire exposed area of the tree limb.
- 9). Dip the moss into water and wring out slightly. The moss should be moist but not dripping wet.
- 10
Wrap the moss around the exposed section of the tree limb until it is approximately four inches thick and completely covers the exposed wood. Tie a piece of string loosely around the moss to hold it in place. - 11
Wrap a single layer of clear plastic sheeting around the moss and secure it with string. - 12
Examine the site regularly for root development. Roots will grow through the moss layer and become visible through the plastic sheeting. When roots change from a solid white to a dark tan, the air layer is ready to be cut off and planted.
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