[Baldy]

I'm considering some guerilla gardening - I've got a few apple and pear trees and am training them laterally on the plot (well, kind of)... anyhow has anyone had success with simply taking cuttngs, dipping them in hormone (maybe) and then growing them on?
Layering seems to be more successful according to wikipedia - but I'm looking for simple/free/lots so cuttings if at all viable would be the best way for me (if that technique has any success). I'm not concerned about rootstock because this would be on a hedge that once had large trees that provided wind protection...
I suspect I'll have to faff about with layering but maybe some have had success with simple cuttings...

Cheers,
Balders

[solway cropper]

apples can be grown from the cuttings but it's a bit more complicated than simply dipping in rooting hormone and sticking in the soil. They need a controlled environment and regular misting and even then it can be hit and miss.

I'm pretty sure it would be as widely used as grafting if it were as successful but if you have plenty of cuttings to work with it's worth a go.

I have read that you can actually get them to root on the tree by cutting part way through the shoot and then wrapping in sterile compost inside a plastic bag and sealing to keep out air. They form roots into the compost and can then be removed for potting on. Sounds a bit complicated so try googling it.

[shedmeister]

You cannot beat a bit of googleing.
Have a look at this http://www.instructables.com/id/Propagation-of-Fruit-Bearing-Trees-by-Air-Layering/