Cloning Arborvitae & Cypress Privacy Trees

Cloning is usually done by nurseries specialized in large reproduction of plants. These nurseries often have proprietary best methods to accomplish a high survival rate, but for the most part the principles are the same. Proprietary methods are rarely shared by the large scale growers.

The steps involved:

Take a cutting from the parent tree.
Select healthy, new growth from the tree.
Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem just below a node (the point where leaves emerge).
Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the tip.
Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone (gel works best, but powders can help as well).
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soft rooting medium (sand, leaf compost, sawdust, etc.)
Keep the cutting in a dark, cold (preferably 50-60 Farentheit) environment.
After a couple of weeks gradually introduce more light & for longer periods.

Cloning is usually the easiest in early Spring when most deciduous plants are budding, just before leaf break. During this period the plants are full of hormones which encourages root formation.

Cloning is often done in the shade or dark controlled environment where cold temperature and low light can be maintained.

Emerald Green is the least desirable Arborvitae Thuja, but the easiest and fastest to root with a high clone survival rate. Green Giants have a lesser survival rate as clones, but given the fast growth are much more desirable.

Reminder of the most important detail: dark, cool, low nutrition, soft growth medium is essential for clone survival & growth hormone is very helpful.

Green Giant Arborvitae Thuja Grown From Clones