Keep a close eye on the tree once autumn begins, as the best time to take cuttings is just after the leaves fall.

Generally, the healthier and more vigorous the shoots that you select are, the more likely that the cuttings will be successful.

Sharp secateurs are the best to use to take cuttings. [4] X Research source Snip the unripe, softer, and greener wood, which is at the top of the branch, off the cutting. This part of the branch has the best potential for root development, which means that the cuttings are more likely to be successful. This is because this area has many dormant buds that give hormones to the developing roots.

Buds will look like slightly raised areas that are somewhat different in color from the rest of the branch. You will need to cut the branch in 2 different places to take a cutting. This first cut will be horizontal and closer to the base, and the next cut will be angled and closer to the top of the branch.

The distance between the horizontal cut at the base, and the angled cut at the tip will be around 6 to 10 inches (15 to 20 cm), depending on the size of your tree or shrub. Make larger cuttings for larger trees, and smaller cuttings for smaller trees. Remove all the leaves from the cutting before you plant it.

This helps to remove a physical barrier which might get in the way when roots start to form.

Lightly tap the cutting after it has been dipped into the powder to shake off any excess.

Coarse sand or coconut coir are more alternatives for propagating cuttings. Medium blends are also alternatives for propagating mediums, such as 1 part peat with 1 part perlite, or 1 part peat with 1 part sand.

As you push the cuttings into the soil, make sure that the soil around each one is firmly pressed.

Overwatering the cuttings could cause them to rot.

Ash trees grow best in well-drained soil with full sunlight. [15] X Research source Oak trees prefer dry soil with full sunlight. [16] X Research source Dogwood trees prefer well-drained soil with partial shade. [17] X Research source

The cuttings will have well-formed roots by the following autumn, which means that they should be able to survive in the ground. [19] X Research source It’s likely that the roots will start to show through the drain holes of the pot by this time, which means that the plant is ready to be transplanted. [20] X Research source