I personally do not believe the branch should be saved. Based on the size ratio of the truck at the bottom of the picture and the trunk at the top of the picture, it would probably be trimmed of any way. So don't bother trying to save it, cut it off now before it causes damage to the bark on the main trunk.

I second what Ken said.

Will do tomorrow morning! Thanks!
debra

You could get several cuttings out of that branch.

ken who.. lol...

that one needs to go.. and maybe the one it was peeled from .. but that decision can be made next year.. when the tree grows another foot or two.. and perhaps shows that this damage is just too much ...

ken

floral, how does one get a cutting and what would I do to develop it? I didn’t know trees could be grown from a stem, but I would like to try. Please advise…..

debra

Here are two 12” pieces from the branch. They are a bit bigger around than a typical pen.

debra

Here's some information on the subject:

https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/extensions-greatest-hits/2017-09-13-rooting-hydrangea-cuttings-five-easy-steps#:~:text=Expect%20cuttings%20to%20begin%20to,the%20pull%2C%20it%20is%20rooting.

Those pieces would make excellent cuttings. Give it ago. Don’t worry if you don’t have rooting hormone rooting powder. It might help but I’ve never used it.

Just make sure they’re the right way up. In the photo they are not all pointing in the same direction.

Billmin, I had to laugh that your name shows MN but the link was from IL……lol

To any of you ==>> Never done this——sterile medium is any fresh soil or potting soil?? Vermiculite is an option to plant in, right?? How big a pot would you use? And lastly

cold weather is near, so do I bring indoors, put in unheated garage, tip on side or leave upright in the pot?

Thanks so much for all your help!!

debra

Don't sweat the details.

Use some new peat based potting soil, mix some perlite, vermiculite or pumice, 50:50 to make it drain fast. Just enough peat to hold moisture from drying out too fast.

Fill some narrow cups/pots or one big pot and stick your cuttings as the directions tell you. Make sure there's drain holes in the pot(s)/cup(s).

Just put everything in a tub or tray of some sort to catch the drainage. Don't let the pots sit in water.

Mix 3% h2o2 - One part to 10 parts distilled water and soak everything down with that. That will take out any pathogens or mold for the time being.

2-4 weeks for roots is nothing. You should be fine for that length of time. Just water with plain water or distilled if things start to dry out. You could even do anoter h2o2 treatment after a couple of weeks.

Late summer is perfect timing to do this.

Put the whole works down the basement. Around 70dF +- should be good.

We have universities up here too, but I didn't think you'd be interested in dog sled racing. ;-)

Alternatively, stick a spade into the ground outside to create a slit. Shove the cuttings into it up to half their length. Firm them in with your foot. Water. Walk away until next spring.

Thanks both of you——I must admit floral’s way sounds easier!! lololol………

debra

'I must admit floral’s way sounds easier!'

Well...Yeah! lol