Beech cuttings

[lesleyjohn]

what time of year do you do beech tree cuttings also any special instructions i need to know

[heathfield]

Clip twice a year in June and late August. Sharp tools will prevent ragged ends on the twigs.

[lesleyjohn]

thanks for the advice but what i was really after was info on how to take cuttings (making baby beech trees)

[Thunderbird+]

Beech nuts (mast) sown in the autumn is the usual method but obviously you can not always lay your hands on these, as the squirrels usually get there first.

Alternativly you can take hardwood cuttings in the growing season ( late summer through to autumn, I think would be best) They can be done outside in the open ground but out of full sun and sheltered from drying winds in cultivated soil. Make a trench about the depth of a spade, with a vertical side and a sloping side to the back.
Line the trench with an inch (2.5cm) of sharp sand.

Take cuttings of about pencil thickness (thinner ones will dry out too quick) Remove any soft tips, and cut just above a bud, they need to be approx 6in (15cm) long.
Dip the butt ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plunge them into the trench vertically up to about 2 thirds of their length, then back fill and firm with your foot.
Ps the cutting should be cut just above a bud at the top and just below at the bottom to prevent die-back
Take more than you think you may need to cover any losses. keep them well watered and hopefully they will have rooted by next spring. Good Luck Tbird+

[Clanad]

As usual, Thunderbird+ has succintly outlined the procedure. I would only add, that spring, just as sson as there's any indication of sap rising is the best time. I cut a small live branch, place it in a pail of warm water for about 1 week. At the end of that time, if you look closely, you'll see very small, delicate white roots beginning to extend from the cut end. At that time, instead of putting it in a sand lined trench, I have a 5 gallon plastic pail (cat litter container) that I fill 2/3's full with sand. I soak this with a light mixture of plant food and water and place the cuttings about 6 inches into the damp sand. Be sure not to let the sand dry out. As Thunderbird advises, don't keep it in a windy place, but a little sun can help, in my opinion. Transplant after about a month or so. The root system should be well developed and much darker in color then... Best of luck!

[lesleyjohn]

thanks for the info, im just learning all this percy throw up stuff so really trial and error at this stage but thought would try internet for any help, seems you guys are really helpful ta for that truly appreciate the help