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Can I keep a branch of a fallen tree that is blooming now alive and turn it into a new tree? #746472

Asked April 26, 2021, 9:22 PM EDT

We had a HUGE tree in our front yard. I think it was an American basswood. It had two main trunks, and grew close to our creek. The creek bed eroded. A big wind came and the tree split in half and one side fell one way and the other fell the other way. Now we have a giant tree down in our yard. Long long story short, the part not covering the driveway lay there through the winter, and is now being chopped up and carried away. However, the many branches that are still spread through the yard are blooming!. Even on big branches that have been cut off from the main trunk, smaller branches are now sprouting leaves. Is it possible to take some of these sprouting, blooming branches and make them grow into new trees????? I want to save this beautiful tree and make branches of it grow into trees in our yard.

Cuyahoga County Ohio

Expert Response

Thank you for your question!  I think your idea to take the sprouting branches and propagate new trees is a wonderful idea, and it is indeed possible! 

Take cuttings, remove most leaves, and dip the stem in a rooting hormone such as Rootone - There are several brands available.  Put into pots with good soil and wait until you see new grow and roots.  Here is an informative article that explains in detail how to propagate stems. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plant-propagation-by-stem-cuttings-instructions-for-the-home-gardener

Here is an older article about the rate of survival for the sprouts.  I'd try to propagate twice as many cuttings as you need to ensure enough survive. The second part of the article deals with soft wood cutting which is what you'll be dealing with. https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/57240/1/1960-086.pdf

Here is an article about American basswood trees with general information.

https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_tiama.pdf

I wish you the best in preserving parts of your beautiful tree!

Susan LIf you would like to learn more, please check out these resources. Replied April 27, 2021, 7:34 AM EDT

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