can you break of a branch of a silver maple and put it in the ground and it take root?

Answer 1

Sadly, the answer is probably yes.

This tree propigates so readily and freely, I don't know why you would want to root one. It really is the "rabbit" of the tree world.

The branch needs to be soft wood, that is to say, not with bark.
The soil has to be kept quite wet. I would do this in a pot, sunk into the garden soil, so that you can move it later. Use a potting mix as well. It will hold more moisture.

Really though, if you want a silver maple, I would just recommend transplanting a seedling. You'll have a sizable tree in 7-10 years. About the same amount of time as your cutting would take to get to the same size.

Good luck -

Answer 2

No, but you can take cuttings and root them. From National Forest Service:

"Vegetative Reproduction-Silver maple can be propagated vegetatively. Softwood cuttings taken in July and again in October rooted 100 percent and 92 percent, respectively (34). Hardwood cuttings taken in early winter and stored in a cool place for 2 months rooted 84 percent when planted in moist sand (13). The treatment of silver maple cuttings with rooting hormones may be important to rooting success (18). Cuttings taken from young trees (5 years of age) root easily, but cuttings from mature trees (80 years old) root very poorly."

However, bear in mind that Silver Maple does have problems as a landscape plant. From Forest & Range.org:

"Suseptibility to ice and snow breakage and invasive rooting tendencies make its use in urban situations questionable."

That *invasive rooting* can be a REAL problem, believe me!! Been there. Anyway, hope this helps.

Answer 3

No,

It is not that easy. You can try from a maple seed, or go to a store and buy a maple seedling.
If you put a branch into the ground it will either rot, or dry up.