Learn how to propagate and plant native Pacific northwest trees from seed — save money and get stronger, healthier, more resilient trees! A great way to create stock for eco-restoration or wetland projects. Or offer to donate the seedlings to your local municipality.
Arborist and tree grower Ryan Senechal and horticulturist Laura Ralph tell us how to choose Garry oak (also known as Oregon white oak) acorns, Arbutus (also known as Madrona) seeds, Pacific dogwood, bigleaf maple, shore pine, Pacific dogwood, and others. Ryan also mentions how to start Red Osier Dogwood shrub/small tree from live stakes — a method that also works for willow, black cottonwood, alder, and Oregon ash. Includes a great discussion of choosing the right pot to start them in, especially important for Garry oaks!
Photography by Lorraine Scollan. Sponsored by Creatively United for the Planet and Community Trees Matter Network.
Notes from Ryan Senechal:
- A reminder that salvaging containers and propagation supplies is always best! Many species can be grown successfully using standard 1 gal containers.
- If you are looking for the best root systems in seedlings that produce vigorous woody roots and tap roots (like Garry oaks), I’d suggest these 3-gallon air pruning containers: https://a.co/d/13ynidD
- If you’d like to avoid purchasing from Amazon, there are some premium air pruning containers for sale here: https://growdudes.com/products/air-pot-no-3-2-4-gal-yellow
- Another approach is to build an air pruning box: https://youtu.be/ab67eKU0ZeY
Recommended books:
- Cuttings Throughout the Year – Joy Spurr
- The Reference Manual of Woody Propagation – Dirr and Heuser
- The Manual and Plant Grafting – Peter McDonald