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Tree Propagation: How to Grow A Tree From A Cutting

Resources: Community

Perhaps you are moving homes and want to bring a piece of your past with you, or maybe you are welcoming a new member to your family and want to commemorate the event, whatever the reason there is no better way to acknowledge a major life event than by propagating your tree! Before you get started you might be wondering, what is tree propagation and how is it done? Continue reading to discover more…


Tree propagation is a method of growing trees from the parent stock. There are a variety of ways to propagate a tree whether it is from the root system or grafting on the existing tree. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how to propagate a tree from a cutting of the parent tree. Below you will find outlined the 6-step, start to finish, ways to propagate a tree from tree cuttings.

  1. Tree Selection

Locate the tree you wish to propagate. This is one of the most crucial steps to think of before collecting your clippings. Why? You want to be sure that the clippings you gather are coming from a tree native to your area. This is important so that the environment can support the life of your new growth. Additionally, it can be extremely harmful to introduce a new species to an area as it could be invasive or disease ridden causing irreversible damage.

Native trees to the Washington D.C. area can be found here!

2. Tree Clipping

When going for your tree clippings it is better to aim for new growth as it has just gone through the process you are looking to duplicate. This usually points us in the direction of the farther out branches. Something to be mindful of when grabbing the clippers.

3. Tree Soaking

Tree soaking, tree dunking, or even tree splashing have been noted as ways in which you can give your tree cuttings a leg up. The purpose of this is to stimulate root/ plant growth. While this step is completely optional, trees have been shown to benefit from it. (Some people are even known to add additional minerals to the soaking water at this time).

4. Tree Potting

Tree Potting gives your cuttings space to grow and take as much water and minerals in to aid during the process.

5. Essential Root Growth

During this time the potted tree cuttings will need to establish their roots. It is crucial they are watered generously as it promotes expansion and nutrient uptake, keeping your cuttings strong and ready for what’s next…

6. Tree Transporting

Once you have a visible root system that you feel comfortable with, it is time to move these tree cuttings into the ground!


Want to keep your trees growing?

Call RTEC to learn more on what we can do to keep your trees nourished and protected.

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Google Reviews

Grey Burkhart
Grey Burkhart
March 29, 2022.
Verified
Very professional review of our requirements and an accurate estimate. Showed up on time and were finished quickly. Cleaned up all of the debris and sawdust. Great job all around.
Dennis Bruns
Dennis Bruns
March 8, 2022.
Verified
We have used RTEC Treecare for several years. They do excellent work. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and take great care in explaining the various options available for your particular situation. I highly recommend them.
Annette Iannucci
Annette Iannucci
February 23, 2022.
Verified
We have been using RTEC for years and were very pleased with the recent tree maintenance work they did for us. As always, we got good advice from their arborist Ben,. The crew that did the work is highly skilled, and they did a great job trimming our trees. They worked safely and efficiently, in addition to leaving the yard clean after they finished the work.
Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford
January 26, 2022.
Verified
RTEC was at my house today to removed a large Magnolia that was badly damaged by the recent snow. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable price. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently and quickly and cleaned up so well it was hard to tell anything have been disturbed. Over the past several years, I have used RTEC for all the services I checked above, and have always been very pleased with their service and professionalism. I also appreciate that they are not eager to take down trees that don't need to come down. In this case, the damage was too extensive for the tree to recover.
Kenton Morgan
Kenton Morgan
January 20, 2022.
Verified
Once again, RTEC has done a great job. The team showed up right on time and performed all the work that we agreed to. They kept us informed as to progress, coordinated with us concerning our maple, and made recommendations concerning ongoing support for our trees. At the end of the day, they thoroughly cleaned up the debris and left our yard in pristine condition. WELL DONE.
Jean Kluttz
Jean Kluttz
January 3, 2022.
Verified
Not our first time but this time was tricky removal of a large dead tree leaning on a healthy tree. Quick response for estimate, good timing to removal, all clear and healthy tree still fine.
Jerry Haggin
Jerry Haggin
December 16, 2021.
Verified
Very good work while ensuring that I was aware of status of my work order and planned completion.
Mike Iger
Mike Iger
December 16, 2021.
Verified
David Roberts
David Roberts
December 15, 2021.
Verified
We’ve used RTEC for many years for tree maintenance and can’t say enough good things about their service. We use them for tree trimming and for regular treatments to maintain our trees’ health and deal with pests and prevent disease. Their arborist Ben has been especially helpful with advice. RTEC also been especially helpful in emergency situations, once coming to cable a massive, heritage oak in our yard right before a hurricane was about to hit. Highly recommend.
Travis Larson
Travis Larson
December 10, 2021.
Verified
RTEC did an excellent job onsite of removing dead branches from our 80+ year old trees, and trimming other growth too close to our home.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 185 reviews.

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