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Growing a new tree from a branch is a simple and rewarding process. First, select a healthy branch from an existing tree. Cut the branch at a 45-degree angle, making sure it is at least 12 inches long. Remove any leaves or buds from the bottom half of the branch. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth. Plant the branch in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sunny location. Within a few weeks, roots should start to develop. Once the roots are established, transplant the new tree into a larger container or directly into the ground. Regularly water and care for the tree to ensure its healthy growth.
If you want to increase the number of trees in your landscape without spending much, you can grow a new tree from a branch. This process is known as propagation, and the small sections cut from the branches are called stem cuttings or cuttings. Many trees can be grown from hardwood cuttings taken while the tree is dormant, which is from the end of fall to the beginning of spring. It is important to use healthy branches from the current or previous season’s growth.
Things You’ll Need
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Knife
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Seed tray or 12-inch pot
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4- to 6-inch pots
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Rooting hormone
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Growing medium
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Plastic bag
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Spray bottle
How to Propagate Trees From a Branch
Step 1: Divide the Branch Into Sections
Select one or more branches from the upper part of the tree. Cut the branch into sections that are 4 to 6 inches long. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings.
Step 2: Prepare the Seed Tray
Fill a seed tray or 12-inch pot with a growing medium that contains sand, peat moss, and perlite. Moisten the mixture and create holes that are 2 to 3 inches deep for each cutting. Space the holes apart enough to allow light to reach all parts of the cuttings.
Step 3: Plant the Tree Cuttings
Dip the bottom of the cut tree branches into the rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in the holes and firmly press the soil to hold the cuttings upright. Plant more tree cuttings than necessary to ensure success. Put all the cuttings in the same container as one container can accommodate more than 10 cuttings. Water the cuttings to settle them in place.
Step 4: Cover the Tree Cuttings
Cover the pot with a plastic bag and put it in a location away from direct sunlight.
Step 5: Keep the Cuttings Moist
Regularly check the cuttings and mist them with water to keep the soil moist. The time it takes for the branches to develop roots varies depending on the type of tree and can take several months. According to North Carolina University, conifers take longer to root compared to broadleaf plants.
Step 6: Check for Root Development
After four weeks, gently pull on the tree cuttings. If you feel resistance, it means roots are forming. If not, check again after a few weeks.
Step 7: Allow Roots to Develop
Let the cuttings develop multiple roots over the next month. Carefully lift the cuttings with your fingers to check the growth of the roots.
Step 8: Gradually Remove the Plastic Cover
Slowly expose the cuttings to lower humidity levels over time by removing the plastic covering for longer periods each day.
Step 9: Transplant the Cuttings to Pots
Plant each cutting in a 4- to 6-inch pot filled with high-quality potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet.
Step 10: Harden Off Your Plants
Increase the amount of light the cuttings receive over three or more weeks until they are exposed to direct sunlight indoors. Continue to grow the cuttings indoors or gradually acclimate them to the outdoor environment over the next few weeks. Allow the cuttings to grow taller and stronger before transplanting them outdoors in the following season.
