How to Replant Sycamore With Pole Cuttings

Prepare the soil, adding compost and sand to increase aeration. Apply sand and compost at a rate of 1 lb. per acre. Loosen the soil 12 to 18 inches deep, breaking apart large clumps with a shovel. Remove rocks and debris from the planting area and turn sand and compost into the soil.

Fertilize the soil, following the label directions. Apply a general purpose fertilizer, turning it into the soil with a garden rake.

Choose pole cuttings at least 16 to 20 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter at the top. The larger the diameter of the pole cutting, the more new growth can be encouraged. Do not exceed 1 inch in diameter, though, as this is too thick for correct germination.

Push the pole cutting carefully into the soil, leaving the top 6 inches exposed above the soil. Firm the soil around the cutting to secure it in the ground.

Repeat with each cutting, placing them 1 foot apart. Place rows of cuttings at least 4 feet apart to allow room for root growth over the next several months.

Water the pole cuttings freely, keeping the soil moist, through the summer and until one month prior to the first frost.

Harvest the sycamore trees for the bud set in the fall or spring. Spring harvesting should take place before the swelling of the bud to encourage the most growth. The tree will be 6 to 10 feet tall at the harvest.