How do I take cuttings off my Acer Palmatum tree please?
A These trees are normally budded or grafted on the nursery. You could try taking hardwood cuttings in October. Remove a 15cm (6in) section of the new growth ,as thick as possible. Remove the softer tip cutting just above a bud, and then cut just below the lowest bud at the bottom of the cutting. Dip the lower end in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot containing a 50-50 mix of multi-purpose compost and horticultural grit or perlite. Make sure that three quarters of the stem is under the compost and place the cutting in a protected but not hot place, like a cold greenhouse or frame. Success is not guaranteed but you could give it a go.
