Question
I have had this tree for over 25 years.  It began growing in my parent抯 back yard.  I thought it wasn抰 growing because of lack of sunlight.  It looked just like the Japanese maples in the front yard, which were close to 20 feet high.  I took it from my parent抯 house about 5 years ago and wanted to grow more.  It is simply stunning.  People who have maples come to my house and ask me what kind it is.  I have no idea.  It has some leaves that have 5 fingers and some with up to 9???  It抯 like a hybrid.  Anyway, it never makes seeds so I cannot grow another one and give it to my sister.  What do I do, if anything?  Some people say I can try to clone it, but that seems difficult.  



Thank you for your time and consideration, TWS


Answer
Hi Trel,
I can't tell you why the tree is not producing seed unless it is a totally sterile hybrid and there are some hybrids that will not produce seeds because of that reason.  They usually will not produce the maple "bloom" either.  You can try to root cuttings.  I would recommend using softwood cuttings about 4-6 inches long cut from the axil where they meet the main branch.  Strip off all of the leaves but the last two and then dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.  Stick the cutting and inch deep into warm, wet sand or soil less mix.  Keep the growing medium moist but not soggy.  Place the pot inside a clear plastic bag and keep it sealed to retain humidity.  Mist the cuttings twice a day and keep the bottom warm.  Rooting should take place in about 8 weeks.  Check by probing gently around the cutting with a pencil.  Gently remove rooted cuttings and plant them in separate pots.  They will eventually produce new leaves and when they have leafed out nicely, you may plant them outdoors.  I hope this helps.
Tom