Taking bay cuttings

[Skippy]

Sorry if this is a tad niave but I've never tried it with a bay before.
I have a bay tree in the garden that needs trimming down because there's only so many bay leaves you can use and anyway it's starting to get just a bit too big for where it is. Now I mentioned this to a friend and she has asked for a few cuttings. Normally I'd cut it dip in rooting compound and hope for the best but do any of the nice people on this here forum have any better and decent advice please?


Pete

[Davie Crockett]

Take 4-5 inch cuttings from semi ripe wood. Strip all but the top 2 leaves. Scrape the bottom 1/2 inch to reveal the cambium, dip in rooting hormone and place in equal parts peat and sand. Water thoroughly and allow to drain. Place the pot and cutting in a polythene bag and seal. Stand it on a light windowsill.

It probably won't root for at least 2 months so be patient.

It is also possible to "Air Layer" cuttings while still on the bush/tree.
Select a branch that is about 18ins - 2ft. strip the middle section of leaves. In the middle of the branch, make an oblique cut 1/3 of the thickness and 2ins long into the lower section of the branch. Dust with rooting hormone and force a wad of moss and loam into the cut. Now cut the end off a small poly bag to make a tube and attach it with an elastic band about an inch below the cut. Fill the bag with wet loam to at least 2 inches above the cut. Secure with another elastic band and leave in situ until roots can be seen in the bag. You can then remove your cutting and plant where you want. This method works well for hazel and other hard wood types.

[dave45]

Our bay tree is sending up runners from around the base - I presume I can break these off and re-pot?

[Skippy]

Thanks very much for that advice mr crocket , I'll be out there with my shears and my little tub of rooting powder as soon as I get the time.
No suckers on my tree .


Pete