Can Evergreen Magnolia grandiflora be propagated using the air layering method?

I live in the Seattle area. I also would like input on transplanting the same tree. This particular one is 9-10 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of 1 1/2 - 2 inches. If I were to propagate it, is this the proper time of year?

Can Evergreen Magnolia grandiflora be propagated using the air layering method?
Transplanting:


The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring.





Planting:


When planting magnolias dig in as much compost as possible and work the soil in an area twice the diameter of the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in the hole then put in a strong stake before back filling so that the roots are not damaged by putting it in afterward.


Magnolias like a cool root zone so a good mulch after planting will pay dividends. Watch the plant does not get too dry in the first season since magnolias spend the first year from planting getting settled in. If they get too dry they will tend to sulk.





If there is some concern about bad drainage, plant your magnolia in a slightly raised bed so it does not sit in a pool of wet soil. If you want to plant a magnolia near water, make sure the plant has 40 - 50 centimetres of well prepared and aerated soil above the water table to get itself established in. It will appreciate the close proximity of the extra water, but let it decide how close it wants to put its roots to it.





When transplanting a magnolia it is best to move as large a block of undisturbed soil as possible and the resulting stress will be proportionally less. If the root ball gets disturbed or even shaken out completely, then the plant will benefit from a reduction of branches by at least a third. Evergreen species should be root-pruned in autumn before tranplanting, and deciduous species are best moved when dormant, though they can be treated as evergreens and root-pruned for shifting in the autumn, as long as their growth has matured when the root-pruning process starts. If you have to move one in growth, trim out all the active growing tips, and if possible spray with an anti-dessicant spray at label rates.





Layering:


Layering is the ancient, traditional way of propagating magnolias. Magnolias may be air-layered. Layered plants can be cut from the mother plant 1 to 2 years later. Layering can be done now.