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juniper propagation question...
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Posted by deep___roots ca9/sunset15 (My Page) on Wed, Nov 18, 09 at 12:15
So, there is some type of juniper, a tree variety, growing in our yard. It is old and maybe 20 - 25 feet tall and the branches spread out nicely up at the top providing shade and an attractive look. Very healthy.
Ah, but down low there is a branch that has lain on the ground for quite some time apparently and it has rooted in one place along its length. This branch is encroaching the path and juniper foliage being itchy and coarse, I'm afraid it has to go elsewhere. The circumference of this branch is maybe 6 or 7 inches at its thickest point, something in that range.
So imagine a branch laying on the ground, and maybe six feet from the trunk the roots have grown. This rooted section of branch is maybe a foot long and then the branch continues for about 3 feet of nice healthy upward growth.
Sorry to be so long-winded, but I can just cut the branch behind the rooted section, dig it up and replant? Is it best to do this in Spring?
Thanks for the advice. It really is a handsome variety whatever it is. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: juniper propagation question...
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| i find it hard to speculate whether there will be enough of a root mass to trunk ratio .... in other words.. whether the roots can support the cut off branch ... i have re-read your facts over and over ... and i cant conceptualize what you mean ... if you are cutting off a 7 inch branch.. i doubt there will be enough roots upon transplant for success .... that would be like digging up a 20 year old tree with a 4 foot root ball ... but perhaps that isnt what you mean... a pic would sure help ... juniper are about a buck each .. and grow like weeds.. as evidenced by yours.... IF IT WERE ME .... i would get a proper ID .... and just buy another one for $10 .. and plant that.. rather than spend 12 hours digging out a monster that might fail ... the labor involved in your suggested project.. just might not be worth the effort ... are you sure its a juniper in z9 CA??? good luck ken |
RE: juniper propagation question...
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| If it were me and I wanted another clone here's what I would do: Cut the branch near the roots and leave the rooted 3-4'section where it is (cut the rest of the branch off at the trunk). It may survive, depending how big the roots are, and then transplant it after a year or so when you know it's doing ok. tj |
RE: juniper propagation question...
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| Yeah, I'd cut the branch just prior to where it had taken root and leave the thing in place for a season, if it continues to do well, then you know all is well and you can carefully dig and move it. Terry |
RE: juniper propagation question...
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Thanks, I didn't think of cutting and leaving for a season, then transplanting....that makes sense.
And I may have overstated the circumference of the branch. I looked more closely this morning and it is more like 4 inches in circumference where I would cut. Sorry for confusing the issue with misinformation Ken. Eventually digging up and transplanting this would not involve too much effort.
I keep thinking I'll learn to post pictures...maybe someday.
Thanks again for taking the time to opine. |
RE: juniper propagation question...
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I apologize.
I got out my "Conifers in California" book and this tree is actually a cypress. Maybe Santa Cruz or Sargent. The yellow colored tips of the foliage matched the pictures in the book. I couldn't find any cones, except a cone from my neighbor's redwood tree that had gotten lodged in the branches. Hmmm...this cone doesn't look like any cypress cones in my book. But I sorted that out, eventually, mainly because the cone and attached twig came loose when I pulled hard on it. Duh!
This weekend I did dig up a volunteer pine tree that was 4 feet tall. I was amazed how easy it was to dig up and pot up. It is very vigorous. It was unfortunately growing in my future cactus garden extension, so it had to go. Glad I was able to save it.
Cheers. |
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