Trees can quickly send your landscaping budget through the roof, but what if you could grow your own for free?

Propagating trees from cuttings is a lot like cloning, only without the lab coats and test tubes.

With a sharp pair of secateurs and a little patience, you can turn one branch into a brand-new tree. Here’s how to give your cuttings the best chance of growing into strong, thriving saplings.

Choose the Right Time to Cut

Timing is everything when it comes to propagation. Your trees’ growth cycle should guide your cutting. It’s just like catching someone mid-sprint versus at the finish line—their energy levels make all the difference.

Spring and early summer are your best windows. That’s when trees are in full growth mode and most eager to stretch out.

If you wait until autumn, the sprigs will be less willing to establish roots, as plants usually wind down for winter during that time.

That said, some species, like grapevine, figs, and dogwood, can still be propagated from hardwood cuttings in winter.

Pick a Healthy Parent Tree

Not all trees are good candidates for “parenthood”. A healthy, disease-free tree is more likely to produce a strong, resilient sapling.

Success rates vary widely between species as well. For instance, willows, poplars, and figs often take root readily, while apples, cherries, and oaks usually grow better through grafting instead.

To make sure the one you’re eyeing is up for the job, check the leaves and bark carefully. If you notice any yellowing, cracks, or unusual markings, pick another candidate instead.

Cuttings usually root best when taken from younger, more flexible parents. So, look for healthy shoots on a well-established tree or shrub. They shouldn’t be too soft or too rigid. That way, you’ll get material that’s strong enough to survive but still eager to produce roots.

Snip and Prep Carefully

When it’s time to cut, use clean, sharp secateurs to avoid spreading bacteria or damaging the stem. Aim for a length of around 15–20 cm, with at least one node attached. That’s where new roots will sprout.

Next, strip the leaves from the bottom half, but leave a few at the top so the cutting can still photosynthesise.

Take your time to avoid jagged edges. Clean cuts heal faster and make plants less vulnerable to disease.

For an extra boost, dip the base in a rooting hormone before planting. Though this is not essential, it’ll give your sprigs a better head start.

If you’re not sure about your pruning skills or want to tidy up larger branches while you’re at it, it might be wise to hire a reliable tree cutting service. A certified arborist can trim your plants safely and supply good-quality cuttings, all while keeping the parent tree healthy.

Give Your Cuttings the Right Home

Cuttings need the right base to take root. A mix of perlite and peat-free compost works a treat, as it drains well but still holds onto the right amount of moisture.

It’s also better for the planet, so you’ll be saving money and doing your part for the environment while your sprigs slowly take root.

Coarse sand and vermiculite are also excellent options. Both provide great drainage while holding just enough moisture to stop the shoots from drying out.

Vermiculite, in particular, also helps with aeration, giving roots the oxygen they need to grow strong and healthy.

Whatever medium you choose, make sure it’s damp but not soggy before popping the cuttings in.

Create a Makeshift Greenhouse

Humidity is key for cuttings. To keep the air moist, place a clear plastic bag over the pot or tuck them into a small propagator. Just don’t let them overheat. Otherwise, the stems will wilt and rot before they’ve had a chance to root.

A little shade will keep them cosy and warm enough without turning your shoots into compost. Ideally, they should bask in bright but indirect light. A warm spot indoors or a sheltered corner in the greenhouse will work just fine.

To prevent mould from creeping up on your growing saplings, lift the cover every so often to let fresh air in.

Finally, keep an eye on the temperature. The ideal conditions are around 18–24°C. If you don’t have a propagator, simply give the leaves a gentle mist with a spray bottle every day to keep them cool and comfortable.

Be Patient and Monitor Progress

Patience is your secret weapon here. Cuttings don’t take root overnight. It can take weeks before you see any signs of progress.

In the meantime, keep the soil slightly damp and check it regularly for rot or fungal problems. And if one shoot seems to be struggling, remove it before the others follow suit.

To see how far along they are, tug on your cuttings gently after a few weeks. If you sense resistance, this means that roots are forming beneath the surface. That’s your cue to celebrate this small but thrilling milestone in your propagation journey.

Transplant the New Trees

Once your cuttings have grown a sturdy root system, they’re ready for their bigger home. Transplant them gently into larger pots, using the same soil mix to avoid shocking them.

At first, give them dappled sunlight rather than full sun so they can slowly adapt to their new surroundings. As they grow stronger, expose them to more light gradually until they’re ready to thrive on their own.

Keep watering them sparingly but frequently. Don’t just pour the water and call it a day, though. Instead, water the base slowly so the moisture reaches the roots without leaving the soil soggy.

If you spot any yellow or drooping leaves, this could indicate that the cutting is getting too much or too little water or sunlight. It may also be a reaction to poor drainage.

Adjusting these small details early on often makes the difference between a lush and a sad-looking garden.

Conclusion

Propagation gives you a wonderful chance to duplicate your favourite trees and nurture new life with your own two hands.

With each cutting you root, you’ll be creating a little legacy of your own, one sapling at a time. It’s a lot like passing on a family recipe, only greener.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look at a pruned branch the same way again. Instead of waste, you’ll see future shade for summer days, a home for your feathered friends, or even a tree your grandchildren could one day climb.