2 08 R e s to r i n g L a n d a n d Pl a n t i n g Tr ee s
Preparing tree cuttings
Some trees grow best by putting a cutting in the soil and
watering it until it grows roots and leaves. Trees grown
from cuttings usually produce fruit or seeds sooner
than trees grown from seeds.
Plant
cutting at
this angle
Some cuttings can be planted
directly into the soil where you
want the tree to grow. Others
should be planted in a nursery
until they have sprouted plenty of
leaves and roots and can survive
on their own.
3 to 4 nodes
underground
Roots grow
from nodes
underground
Make cuttings from the middle
of a branch where the wood
does not bend too much but is not too rigid. Select a piece with about 6 to 10
“nodes” (bumps on the branch where the leaf grows or used to grow.) Gently
remove the leaves, being careful not to damage the nodes. Cut the branch at
an angle instead of straight across, to help roots form properly.
Whether the cuttings have been planted in a nursery or directly into the
ground, be sure they have plenty of water and are protected from pests until
they have grown enough roots to find water on their own.
Collecting seedlings from the
forest to transplant
Transplanting wild seedlings
Another way to create a forest is to dig up
wild tree seedlings and replant them where
you want them to grow. Find healthy parent
trees and choose seedlings growing near or
under them.
Dig up small seedlings, careful not to
damage the main, long tap root. If this root
is damaged, the tree will not grow well. Dig
in a circle around the seedling and as deep
as you think the tap root has grown. Use
your hand or a tool to bring the seedling
up without shaking off the soil around the
roots.
Keep the soil around the roots of the
tree seedling moist until it is planted in the
ground. Continue watering it until its roots
have grown into its new place and it can
find water for itself.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012