Question
my husband used tordon to kill trees continually coming up in my flower garden. he was told it would not spread, well it did.  my lilac is close & this is from my grandmothers bush with no possibilty to get another.  can i take a cutting from bush instead of a shoot & start another & what is the process.  also is a lilac bush a type of vegitation affected by tordon as it is not killing everything only select flowers ie pholx, bee balm, & day lillies.  thank you for any information you can give me on this, i really need to save grandmas precious lilac.  steve

Answer
Unless your husband sprayed the product directly on the bush, it should be safe.

In regard to cuttings, simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long.  Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase this product at any garden center. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window sill or under fluorescent lighting. After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike