A root sprout is a separable part of a plant that grows from the stem of a root and not the seeds. Sprouts are often at the base of a particular shrub or tree.
Learning how to start a tree from a root sprout will save you some money because it is the most comfortable and cheapest way to re-create a clone of that tree you love in your yard.
Root sprouts grow much faster, and they require little attention because of the nutrients already stored in them. This article tells you everything you need to know about growing trees from root sprouts.
Table of Contents
How to Start a Tree from a Root Sprout
So, you have been admiring this beautiful tree in your neighborhood, and it fits into the dream finishing you want for your yard. But first of all, you need some branches for this dream tree to become a little sapling of your own.
Meet up with the tree owner and ask nicely if you can take a few cuttings from their beloved tree, and that will be mission accomplished for your first task.
Cutting root sprouts is a fundamental step to know when learning how to start a tree from a root sprout to ensure a successful project, and not destroy the main tree as well.
Things you will Need
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Utility knife
- Plant pot with drainage holes
- Pruning shears (optional)
- Potting soil
- Clear, plastic wrap
- Watering device
- Rooting hormone
- Clear, plastic bag
- Organic nutrient
- Rope or tape
Now that you know the tools and materials you need to follow these steps to cut root sprouts the right way at the right time.
The best time to take a cutting is when the tree is viable, and this is dependent on the variety you wish to clone.
For example, when rooting hardwood species, you taking cuttings usually between late fall or early winter. While, when rooting softwood trees, you'll have to take cuttings in the early summer season or springtime.
Whereas some trees are so hard to root that you may require a specially designed method known as air layering, and it is most favorable during the early spring season. Please pay attention to the specie of trees and their respective viable seasons.
Crosscheck the tree and root growth to find sprouts that are growing away from the main stem for easy removal. Also, choose root sprouts that will cause a lesser quantity of loss to the tree when removing.
Cut the root sprout as carefully as you can from the ground. This step may be challenging due to the root sprout’s nearness to the main body or other plants.
To achieve this, carefully Dig 4 to 6 inches around the root sprout with a small clean hand shovel or spade until you reach the main tree root.
Inspect to see if the sprout has a root system of its own. Fortunately, if it does have its root system, dig the plant out of the ground and cut it free from the parent plant.
To cut, clip the sucker roots with a sharp pruning clipper to remove the sucker from the tree. Ensure roots are extending from the base of the section you remove. Lift the sucker from the ground with as much soil around the roots as possible for protection.
If the root sprout lacks its root system, which is not strange, you can patiently wait for the roots to be established by scraping off some of the tree bark under the soil with a clean utility blade.
This injury will help eliminate a potential barrier that may obstruct the root from forming. You should check every month for root development. When roots have set up, you can follow the above method to cut off your root sprout.
On the other hand, you can clip the main root carefully with sharp garden scissors to take off the root sprout from the tree.
Ensure roots are stretching out from the base of the portion you wish to remove. Lift the root sprout from the ground with enough soil around the roots for its protection.
How to Care for Root Sprouts
Some gardeners prefer to start rooting tree sprout cuttings in water, while others prefer rooting them directly in sandy soil. Whichever you prefer, ensure you’ll do your best to care for the sprouts and prevent them from diseases.
- Dip the base of the cut end into found in garden stores. The powder serves as a stimulant to activate root growth from the cutting. To use, open the container and insert the base of the cutting.
- Gently tap the cutting base after it has been dipped into the rooting powder to wave off any excess.
Rooting Tree Root Sprout
If you have decided to start planting root sprouts in water, add some inches of water to the container as it evaporates.
If you are growing in soil, place the new plant in a pot filled with light organic-rich soil, and provide water to retain moisture.
Ensure to keep the soil moist, and the best way to do this is to wrap the container in a plastic bag.
Create a few small openings in the plastic to allow the plant to breathe. Secure the main opening of the plastic bag around the container with a rope or rubber band. All you do next is to water the root sprout daily and wait for roots to grow.
To take care of root sprout, it is vital to allow it enough time to see a sufficient amount of growth in the pot before transplanting out in the yard or garden.
Once you have accomplished a successful root sprout rooting in water or soil, you have the option to transplant the young plant to the ground or a larger pot.
It is essential to maintain moist soil during the first growth phase to establish a healthy root system in the new growing tree.
Planting a Root Sprout Once Established
The ideal time to uncover and plant your root sprout is in the fall. This will give the plant time to adjust and adapt before colder temperatures.
Pick a fitting area for the tree, depending on its growth and daylight necessities. Dig a hole in the ground that is a little bit bigger than the pot you have the tree root in and somewhat wider too.
As mentioned before, try to leave as much soil around the roots as possible for protection when transplanting.
It is advisable to secure the tree with a fence in the form of a ring of blocks, so you don’t go searching for where you planted it. Ensure a daily supply of water until the new plants become established.
Now, watch the short video below to see how to root tree cuttings:
Conclusion
Growing trees from a root sprout is achievable with some species of trees, and in comparison with growing from seeds; it has its advantages and its disadvantages.
Root sprouts grow much faster at first than trees that are initially grown from seed because they have nutrients and food already stored in the roots.
Get the dream finishing you have always desired by using this guide on how to start a tree from a root sprout.
