This page shows an area where Black Cottonwood live cuttings were collected in mid-April 2012. The material is growing around an old gravel pit; this was an ideal place to collect cottonwood cuttings. Here there was no need to be selective, although only stems about 2½” or less in diameter were taken (using a Fiskars bypass lopper). Cutting the cottonwood also helped provide some conifer release.
Note that usually in such areas some of the Cottonwood stems are much smaller than the average, and are therefore being suppressed — these should not be selected for live cuttings.
Photo 1: This is shows Black Cottonwood growing in a disturbed area adjacent to an old gravel pit. This material is ideal for Cottonwood TRS Cuttings. Along Hwy.6 near Nakusp, BC. April 19/12
Photo 2: Most of this Cottonwood could be easily cut with a Fiskars bypass lopper.
Photo 3: Cuttings 2.7 to 3 m in length were collected.
Photo 4: After cutting the material down, small branches were removed using a hand pruner. All the buds on the main stem were also removed (these can be pinched off with the fingers).
Photo 5: The material was tied into bundles when unloaded from the trailer.