Is there anyway to propagate red maple trees?

Question

Is there anyway to propagate red maple trees?

Answer 1

You have chosen to take on a very difficult task indeed.  If it is a "laceleaf" variety then you will have to accept the fact that 80% of your efforts will go unrewarded.  With other varieties you stand a 50/50 chance of propogation.  Take a healthy cutting and use rooting horomone on the tip.  Plant in sand (less likely that it will cause damage to the root system when transplanted).

You'll want to take the cuttings while the new growth is still in the soft/semihard stage of growth which should be present well through mid-July if the tree is healthy and thriving.  Only use cuttings that range 4-6 inches in length.  Keep it moist all through winter and in Spring you should have a new rooted tree.  Keeping a plastic bag over it to maintain humidity levels is a good idea but you also want to insure that it gets ventilation.

Good luck, you've really got to baby them.