Japanese Red Maple Cuttings

[Aaron S.]

Greeting all.
I have a friend who is moving. He has a sweet maple tree that has to stay with the house The leaves look like this but darker red, almost a purple

Is it too late in the year to try and get some cuttings?
My friend would like to have another tree like that and I would love to have one as a bonsai.
I know that its probably too late but I have to ask. While I'm here when is the best time of year to get cuttings from deciduous trees like maple, crepe myrtle, cherry, apple?
Thank for all of your help.

 

[Shibui]

I've found maple cuttings difficult but others seem to have no problems. Here's one thread that might have some clues to how and when. https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/japanese-maple-cuttings-from-start-to-finish-a-guide.48957/
If you search the site you should find other threads and help.

Many other deciduous trees strike from cuttings taken around the end of the growing season for me. Late season seems to give the cuttings a chance to callus up before dormancy so they are ready to push roots and new leaves come spring. Note that our winters are mild so I'm not sure how that timing will work with your extra cold winters.
Some apple varieties seem to strike easily while others are less likely to strike.
Crepe myrtle are usually very easy.
Unsure of cherry as I've not tried them as cuttings.

Dormant winter hardwood cuttings are also used to strike many deciduous species. They will need protection so they don't dehydrate over winter but dormant cuttings are relatively easy to strike.

 

[leatherback]

Is it too late in the year to try and get some cuttings?

To try it is never too late, and what do you have to loose?

I tried last year for arakawa whether they would root over winter. And they did. This is how I went about it: