How should I clip a cutting from a pear tree?

Clipping a cutting from a pear tree requires the selection of appropriate branches, making a cut in the right spot at the right angle, applying rooting hormone, and pressing the cutting into peat mixture. The process takes under an hour.

1. Select the branch

   It's best to take three to four hardwood clippings from the pear tree to increase the likelihood of success. Select branches with a 1/4- to 1/3-inch diameter from the tips of a healthy pear tree. Look for plenty of growth nodes along the stems.

2. Clip the cutting

   Use sharp, clean bypass shears to make the cut 8 inches from the tip of the branch. Cut on a 45 degree angle 1/4 inch below a leaf node.

3. Apply rooting hormone

   Apply 0.2 percent IBA rooting hormone talc to the cutting by first pouring the talc onto newspaper. Press the severed end of the cutting into the talc, shaking to get rid of excess rooting hormone.

4. Plant the cutting

   Prepare a 1-gallon nursery container with six parts milled peat and one part perlite. Soak the mixture with water, and allow it to stand for 20 minutes before planting the cuttings. Spacing at least 4 inches apart, half bury the cuttings in the mixture. Sprinkle water around each cutting, and gently press on the surface to settle them.