Question
Can I take a shoot cutting from a weeping red lace-leafed maple?  My sister has a huge one that I just pruned & I noticed a sucker or green baby tree at it's base.  I live in Washington Puget Sound area

Answer
Hedi, you sure can. Cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Avoid growth that has turned woody. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. This product can be purchased at most garden centers. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.

After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

I hope this helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike