How do I take a cutting from a very large ficus tree that is too big to move?

Question

I have a ficus tree that must be about 7' tall and at least 6' around. The tree is from my father-in-laws funeral and I don't want to lose it. We are moving into a much small space and won't have room for a tree this size. I would like to take cuttings from this tree and keep at least a part of it.

Answer 1

Ficus trees drop small berries. Look under the tree, wait for them to dry out and plant in small pots with potting mix. Keep in a shady area and water; they should sprout. Otherwise, try taking the end bit of any branch, not too bendy, put the clean cut end in a hormone powder and plant in a watered potting mix in a pot. May have to stake it. Cut all the leaves off with a clean cut, don't strip them off by hand. Good luck. These trees have an invasive root system, so you should plant it at least 4 - 5 metres away from any building as the roots will seek out any plumbing you have underground and crush the pipes.

Answer 2

Cut the tree down to about 24 inches.
Cut top at a 45 degree angle.
Water the heck out of it and fertilize with Miracle-Gro at 1/2 strength. Do not let soil stay wet, just moist.
DO NOT REPOT until next June. It must be hot or roots will not recover. Purchase a good bonsai soil mix to promote superior root growth
Do not let plant stay outside of the temp drops below 45. Keep outside all summer and it will grow like crazy. This is exactly how us bonsai growers do it!!