When to start a rooted cutting

[unicyclemike]

Do you use the newest material on the tips of the plant or older material....maybe 6 months old or older...

Unicycle Mike 

[kumin]

The greatest rooting ability is found at the base of a shoot (flush). Vigorous growth is easier to root than slow, stunted growth. Growth from a lower position of the tree near the trunk, is better than a higher position. Trees dedicated for cutting production can be pruned back severely, forcing newer, easier to root growth. Stems that are too immature are likely very tender and subject to desiccation. These stems will not yet have built up adequate reserves to promote good rooting. The most favorable stems should be at the half- hardwood developmental stage from a lower tree position.

I found this book helpful when I rooted many hardwood cuttings in the past. I had the spiral bound edition.

Plant Propagation by Browse, P.D.A.McMillan Spiral bound

[pagnr]

I normally use tip cuttings, 15 to 20 cm, 4 leaves left attached, planted 1/3 in the rooting medium.
In most cases I don't really want to cut lower into a plant to get any other type of material.
Tip cuttings are useful as the growing point is intact ( at the tip ).
Apart from cultivar cuttings, I have also used the tips of rootstock seedlings.
Some kind of plastic cover is useful to maintain humidity and reduce watering frequency. I usually use clear 1 or 2 litre PET bottles, with the cap closed, but later opened to graduate humidity levels.