Cotinus layering

Ulster Park, NY

Several of my Cotinus coggygria 'Royal purple' have layered in the shade of
other plants.
I only just noticed it, but it may have happened last season.

The branches are about 1/4" 3/8" thick where they've gone under ground.

How can I test them for viable root systems of their own before
I can safely sever and transplant the layers?

Should I just wait until they're dormant and have a small exploratory dig?

I have seedlings as well, very exciting, I love these versatile shrubs!

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

I'd use a spray nozzle on a garden hose, and just wash away some of the soil where the branches contact the ground. This would make it real easy to see the conditions of "rootedness" without cutting anything up. Then, just cover the branch/roots up with soil again. The plant gets a little extra bonus moisture.

You could wait till dormancy, but I don't think you'd have to.

Ulster Park, NY

Good idea Viburnumvalley!
I'll crawl in there with the hose.
Thanks!

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