Making a Natural Fence by Propagating Trees From Branches (the Root Ball Method)

Cool trees aren't cheap, and to make a natural fence you need a lot of them. Azaleas typically start at $20 on the low end for a younger tree and get much pricier as you go for a bigger one. By propagating trees from branches, you can make a lot more trees you know you like for less than $20 total! It's pretty cool! You can cause branches to sprout roots and then plant those branches as new trees. This is known in some circles as the root ball method. It's super cost effective, green, and has the added benefit of putting branches that otherwise need trimmed to good use!

You don't really need much to accomplish this, which is also nice. The only two things you likely don't have on hand are the first 2:

• Rooting Hormone
• Peat Moss
• Scissors
• Razor Blade
• Twine/String/Yarn/etc
• Plastic Bag

You may also need a step ladder depending on how high up the branches you're eyeing are. You also may want to use a small bucket, large bowl, or cup for step 5.

You just need to be able to slide the bag over the branch you're looking to propagate. Do this for as many branches as you're looking to root. They will all need their own bags. Yay for a way to finally put those bags you get once in awhile from the store and don't need but don't want to throw away to use!

Do keep in mind that if you're wanting to root a branch in a place that's visible, the bag will also be visible for months while the roots are growing. So, you may want to use bags that either are less of an eyesore than others, are see through for the "slightly neat" factor, or just aim to propagate branches that are more tucked away if the temporary aesthetic issue is, in fact, an issue.

This step is interchangeable in order with step 3. I just liked getting the bag in place first because I liked having the exposed branch be fresher, in case it helped. Realistically, either way is fine.

First, you want to identify the branch you're going to propagate and then look for where it forks. You want to find these spots, like the one depicted in the image above, because you'll be much more successful in growing roots if you do so where the branches split. Super important detail!

Bring the bag all the way over the branch to where it forks into multiple branches. Then, tie the bag at the bottom right after the fork.

Expose the branch for what it really is! A fraud! A- wait... no. Just remove a layer of bark.

Use your razor blade to remove a layer of bark on the branch. You want to do this all the way around the branch. This is so that the branch can grow roots from this exposed part, hence needing to do this all around the whole base of it.

Just for a sanity check, this should be above the base of the bag that you've tied off (or will tie off if you're switching the order of steps 2 and 3).

Apply that rooting hormone to the exposed branch! As it turns out, you should NOT use your fingers for this. It can cause skin irritation! Also worth noting, you don't want to accidentally inhale it either so gloves and face mask could be a good idea as a "better safe than sorry". As far as application goes, be sure to apply this to the entire exposed segment. As the name suggests, this is good stuff in getting the branch to root and you want to ensure that it's well applied! Conveniently, it's pretty easy to visualize.

Next, prep your peat moss. This is what your roots are going to grow into. First, put it in a microwave-safe container of some sort. Mix in a bit of water and then put it in the microwave for a short time. I did 20 seconds for mine.

Dump the peat moss into your bag and spread it all around the exposed segment of the branch. It's a little tricky at first to get the moss well dispersed while holding the bag in place, but it's doable, and if you're propagating multiple branches it'll get easier with each one you do.

Once the peat moss is in place, tie up the other side of the bag, such that the exposed branch segment is covered with peat moss and it's all enclosed in the bag.

Now, it's a waiting game! It takes 3-6 months to grow the root ball.

You can peak in after at least 3 months to see how your root balls are looking. I checked on mine and planted them after 4 1/2 months. You can see in the image above what a root ball looks like.

To get the branches off, you can just cut them off with pruning shears or similar. It goes without saying, but just do so below the bag so you get your root ball.

Last, you get to plant your trees! I'm planting mine for the sake of a natural fence, and fully intend to do this again with different colors of azaleas such that years from now I'll have a super cool and pretty natural fence without spending tons of money to make it happen. Hopefully this helps you out in also getting more trees you like planted!