Marianne's Response

Create new trees from branch cuttings

What is the best way to cut branches from existing trees in order to create new trees to give as gifts for a family reunion? I live in Central Pennsylvania and need saplings in about 6 weeks. Can you tell me which trees work the best and when and how exactly to cut them?

Posted by Kim Ferlazzo on June 11, 2014

Marianne's Response

Willows root best. You can just snip a branch, set it into a vase of water, and place in moist soil a few weeks later. Most other trees take awhile to root. The way to cut the tree branches is to look for branches as thick as a pencil. Snip off the tip growth and the base so the cutting is as long as a pencil. Set these into water for a few weeks, then poke into pots of potting soil. Good luck and enjoy that reunion. Marianne Binetti