Question
QUESTION: There are 2 crabapple trees that are going to be bulldozed next week that my Mom got apples from as a child.  These trees are probably close to 70 years old!
Is there a way for me to root a portion so this tree can live on in my yard?

ANSWER: Hi Cindy,
Thanx for your question.  Small plants coming up around the mother tree are called suckers and crabapples often do this.  Dig them up and cut them of of the mother, repot and plant elsewhere in the garden.  The alternative is to take cuttings (which are difficult and this is the worst time of the year to do it.).  Take cuttings of green wood, 7-9 inches long, strip off all but the last two or three leaves.  Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and then stick the cutting in some moist potting soil, kept warm, moist but not soggy.  Rooting could happen in 8-10 weeks. I hope this helps.
T

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your help!

When is the best time of year to take a cutting?

Cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy,
Sorry I didn't tell you when to take the cuttings.  I'd do cuttings in the spring after the last frost or later on this summer when you see lots of green wood, not that hard, brown wood.  If you're digging up suckers, any time as long as they will have 30-45 days before the first frost.  I hope this helps.
Tom