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May 28, 2013 at 5:03 pm #790668
amaliaParticipantI’m not an expert at all, but they grow easily from cuttings (I assume that’s slips or stakes – those are the names I know them by. 2-3′ cut stems). Just stick them about 1/2 way into soft earth and keep them watered and mulched and you should be thinning an alder thicket in no time. Full or part sun.
May 29, 2013 at 1:19 am #790669
JayDeeParticipantFrom what I have seen Alders will just come up anywhere there is water and an empty space. The shallow root systems play havoc with asphalt paving (as our local bike trails show). They are not Blackberries but I imagine they could pose a problem if too close to a house. Check with the Master Gardeners at the Farmers Market if you are beholden with alders still. They may offer more caution or helpful advice.
May 29, 2013 at 1:57 am #790670
seahorseMemberAmalia –
When is the most optimal time for taking the slips and planting them? Also, do I look for slips that are green and young or have old wood? An index finger thick slip? Thanks in advance Amalia!
May 29, 2013 at 2:25 pm #790671
amaliaParticipantWell, normally autumn is best (plants are going dormant then, so the stress of replanting is not compounded by the energetic needs of reproduction), but I honestly don’t know if that matters for alder. They are very opportunitistic. I think now is just fine, and even later summer if you keep them wet and mulch them (but the sooner the better, or maybe wait for autumn). Like I said, though, I’m no expert (ask me a bird question next so I can answer with confidence!).
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Yep, about finger-thick, young and green, 2-3′ in length. You’ll know they are successful if they start to leaf in a couple of weeks.
May 29, 2013 at 10:47 pm #790672
JJRMemberSeahorse, do you mind if I ask what you want to use the trees for once they are propigated? This may make a difference in how you want to grow them, and I also may have some you could use.
May 30, 2013 at 12:59 am #790673
seahorseMemberHi JJR,
I have a huge yard that I am wanting to plant out to create a woodlands, a wild habitat for all the lovely creatures – microscopic and large. Also, I love how they’re leguminous too and will pump fertility into my sandy soil. I’ve also read about its esculent young tips and other uses on permaculture sites too. Finally, I just think they’re lovely :)
June 2, 2013 at 4:02 am #790674
seahorseMemberJJR, JJR where are you oh JJR?
June 2, 2013 at 1:41 pm #790675
Mike D.ParticipantI have been using Red Alder (Alnus rubra) for the same reasons Seahorse is wanting to use them. I have not had any luck with Live Staking them. However, planting them from seed, or salvaging and transplanting those that are 4′ or under has proven to be very successful. A great guide that I have found very useful is the Grow Your Own Native Landscape by Michael Leigh and put out by the WSU Extension. Good luck and enjoy!
June 2, 2013 at 8:52 pm #790676
JJRMemberSeahorse!
Sorry for the delay in my response, it’s been a busy few days. I have alders in my garden that I am quite sure are red alders. I have a few dozen of them and they range in size from under 1 foot to up to 6-7 feet. You can have as many of them as you like. I have been hoping to find them a home! Please contact me at 206. two zero zero, nine two seven five or at juliejrowe @ gmail.com
June 2, 2013 at 11:02 pm #790677
seahorseMemberOh JJR! I rang your number but your voicemail box was full so I could not leave a message but I have replied to you via email. Thanks for tracking down my email :) So happy! *Clappy Hands*
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