How to Grow a Tree From a Branch for Budget-Friendly Landscaping
Propagate your way to the prettiest yard on the block
If you have a tree you love, why not create another? Learning how to grow a tree from a branch is easier than you might think, and it’s a cost-effective way to landscape your yard.
Growing a tree from a branch yields a tree identical to the parent tree. In fact, the process is often called cloning. Bonus: Trees started from branches rather than seeds will mature much faster.
What Is Tree Propagation?
Tree propagation is starting a new tree from a cutting of an older tree. If you love an existing tree in your yard, you can have another one. You can also do a tree swap with your neighbors. Propagating will give you a tree identical to the one you take the cutting from, allowing you to create your dream yard for less.
Prepping to Grow a Tree From a Branch
You can grow both deciduous and evergreen trees from a branch, but deciduous trees (those that lose leaves at the end of every growing season) tend to be easier to start from a branch.
But before you can learn how to grow a tree from a branch, you’ll need to start by watching your desired tree for a young branch. Consider starting a couple of branches to increase your odds of success. Call an arborist in your area if you need help.
Here’s a look at the types of trees you can grow from a branch:
Softwood Trees
For softwood trees, take the clipping in the spring or early summer. Softwood trees are often evergreen trees with needles and cones. Examples include pine, cedar, cypress, hemlock, spruce, fir, and redwood.
Hardwood Trees
For hardwood trees, take the clipping in the late autumn months as the leaves are falling. You can also take them in the winter or early spring when the tree isn’t growing.
Hardwood trees have broad leaves and might produce fruit or nuts. They lose leaves in the winter. Oak, maple, birch, sycamore, alder, aspen, and cherry are examples.
How to Grow a Tree From a Branch
Once you learn how to grow a tree from a branch, you’ll open up a new world of budget-friendly landscaping. Whether spruce or sycamore, if you’re ready to become an amateur arborist, follow these steps to grow a tree from a cutting.
1. Choose Your Container
Start your tree propagation project by placing the cutting in water, sandy soil, or a pot. The choice is yours.
Water
Choose a jar, bottle, or vase and fill it so that 2 to 3 inches of the cutting is covered. Change the water as it evaporates. Water is a good choice because it allows you to see when the new roots start forming.
Pot
Starting your tree in a pot like a houseplant is another option. Fill the pot with potting soil and sink the cut end of the branch in. Water to keep the soil moist but not soaking.
Ground
This is the toughest option since you won’t be able to control the conditions. But you might be able to start the tree from a branch in the ground. This is best done in an area with sandy soil when it’s not too hot and not too cold, like spring or early fall. If your tree is going in the lawn, consider putting a protective cage around it so you don’t accidentally mow it down.
2. Select the Branch
The perfect branch will be about 10 inches long with leaves or needles. You’ll know it because it looks healthy and is about as thick as a pencil. Consider cutting multiple branches since not every branch will turn into a tree. It’s smart to have a few spares.
3. Make the Cut
Once you’re ready with your container, put on gloves and make the cut. Get it into moist soil or water soon after cutting to keep the end from drying out. Ideally, make the cut when the tree is a bit damp from morning dew or recent rain.
Using sharp shears, snip a 10-inch long branch right above a bud. Cut the end at an angle to maximize nutrient intake.
4. Clean the End
Remove any leaves or needles within 2 inches of the cut. Make sure you don’t have any leaves or needles below the soil or water line.
If you’re growing a branch from a hardwood tree like maple, willow, or magnolia, you can wound the last inch above the cut. To do this, score the branch with vertical cuts. This will help it absorb more water and nutrients.
5. Dip Your Branch in Hormone Powder
Pour some hormone powder in a shallow dish. Dip and roll the end of your branch in hormone rooting powder for clippings. This will help new roots form more quickly. You can purchase hormone rooting powder at garden stores.
6. Find the Perfect Spot for Your Cutting to Grow Roots
Find a location for your branch where it can receive six hours of sunlight per day. Keep the soil moist. For best results, cover your branch in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag to keep it from drying out.
Expect to see the roots start to form in about three months. You can start several branches in one large pot or container of water.
7. Put Your Cutting in Soil Once It Has Roots
Once you have a root system in place, move your growing branch to a pot with soil. You’ll know your cuttings are ready for a pot if you see roots in water.
If you started your tree in a pot, you’ll know it has roots when you tug it and there’s slight resistance. If you started several trees, it’s time to separate them into their own 4-inch pot.
Let your pots sit in a sunny spot where they stay around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the soil moist for about a year. After a year, the tree should be strong enough for you to plant it in the ground. Compost any branches that don’t appear to be thriving.
8. Plant Your Tree in the Ground
Once your little tree is about a year old, it’s ready to go to its permanent home in the ground. Fall is typically the best time to plant trees, so time this project right to ensure you give your cutting the best chance at becoming a strong and healthy tree.
Planting a tree is best when the ground is still warm from summer and fall rain and dew are around to help water.
DIY vs. Hire a Pro
Tree propagation from cuttings is a project you can easily try on your own. But if you want more established trees for an instant curb appeal boost, consider hiring a local landscaping company. They will be able to assess your yard and make recommendations for tree placement.
The cost to plant a tree varies by species and size, but expect to pay $100 to $2,000 on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tree branch should start to form roots in about three months. It can take about a year for a tree branch to develop roots strong enough to go in the ground. For best results, start several branches because, no matter how closely you follow instructions, they won’t all form roots. Compost any that aren’t thriving.
Large, established tree branches won’t grow roots, but if you find a young tree branch that’s less than about a year old, you’ve got a shot. Put it in water or soil as soon as possible for best results. You’ll know the branch is viable if it’s about the thickness of a pencil and has some leaves or needles.
Starting a tree from a branch is less expensive than buying from a nursery and faster than growing from seed. Plus, if a particular tree species is already thriving in your yard, odds are the next one will too.
A grafted tree is a tree grown by combining two trees. It takes expertise. Branches from grafted trees don’t grow strong roots. Save yourself the time and frustration by having an arborist help you with this advanced project.
You can often tell if a tree is grafted because it will have a noticeable line. Above the line, the bark will look different than it does below the line. It’s most common with fruit trees.
You can still cut the perfect branch when you see it. If you can’t get it in a pot or water right away, put it in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to finish the process, make a fresh cut.