Hibari Elm

In late 2016 I purchased a large variegated elm at a steal of a price. Within the thick canopy hid a region of significant inverse taper. Perhaps problematic but I immediately recognized the potential as a layer candidate. As a weakerulmus parvifolia cultivar you don’t too many of em that has grown this big especially with such dramatic taper.

Can you see it in there?

Here’s a closer shot:

My best find to date

The large mid trunk bulge was likely produced through many years of pruning at the same node site. You can actually see a few old pruning scars on the trunk. At the time of acquisition it was mid summer in Southern California. Our growing season extends all the way to September giving me more than enough time to begin an air layer.

Cambium thoroughly removed with concave cutters

A common reason why airlayers fail is due…

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