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Trench layering is similar to mound layering except that the plants are initially placed horizontally in the stool bed.

Trench layering is the choice for those plants that have strong apical dominance and do not form many shoots after an initial cutback.

Illustration showing four key steps of trench layering.

A trench layer is initiated by placing new plants at an angle in the stool bed.

Illustration of a new plant placed at an angle in a stool bed.

Photo showing new plants placed at an angle in a stool bed.

Once new plants are established they are laid over and held in place with a wire or peg.

Illustration of an established plant laid over and held in place.

Photo of an established plant laid over, with the wire holding it in place pointed out.

The horizontal orientation of the stem causes a loss in apical dominance and new shoots arise from the lateral buds along the stem.

Illustration of new shoots arising from lateral buds along stem of plant.

Photo showing new shoots arising from lateral buds along stem of plant.

Shoots are gradually covered with sawdust and the layers root in a similar operation to mound layering.

Illustrration showing layers taking root beneath sawdust covering.

Photo shows shoots growing with sawdust covering the growing root systems.