Livestakes: Easy Propagation for Streambank Plants

Livestakes are a method of propagation using woody cuttings harvested from specific species of trees or shrubs during the dormant season (Table 1). Livestakes can be purchased from regional plant nurseries or harvested locally, with property-owner permission, if suitable species are present. Once inserted into the soil, livestakes begin to develop an extensive root system and will begin to grow new leaves in the spring (Fig. 1). Livestakes are a simple and inexpensive way to establish a riparian (streamside) buffer of native plants.

Benefits and Barriers of Riparian Buffers

Re-establishing native riparian plants along a stream can improve the health of the local ecosystem and protect against property loss. Riparian plants provide a buffer and transition zone between the aquatic environment in the stream and the adjacent, upland environment. Riparian plant buffers provide a variety of benefits:

• Native riparian plants create an extensive network of roots underground, helping sediment stay in place. A diverse riparian buffer can help reduce property loss due to erosion.
• Plants can help filter pollutants, like excess nutrients, before they enter the stream.
• Riparian buffers shade the stream and help regulate water temperature, which makes the stream a more hospitable environment for fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Native plants provide food and habitat for native wildlife in the stream and on land.

Despite these benefits, riparian plants are not a common sight along backyard streams. Many people prefer to maintain mowed turfgrass to the edge of streams. Some common reasons given are deterring unwanted wildlife, maintaining access to the stream, or desire for a manicured aesthetic. An important step in the riparian buffer planning process is to find a balance between encouraging stream health and allowing for desired use of the stream. One example of this may be planting a buffer along the outer bend of the stream since this is the area at highest risk for erosion (Fig. 2). Inner bends are low-risk areas for erosion and may be a better choice for well-maintained access points. You can also select plants that flower to provide some beauty to your streambank.

Figure 1. New growth on a willow livestake in Florence, SC, 2 months after being planted in a clear container.
Katie Collins, ©2025, Clemson Extension

Figure 2. Diagram of inner and outer bends along a stream’s reach.
Katie Collins, ©2025, Clemson Extension

Figure 3. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a riparian shrub that is commonly used for livestake propagation.
Katie Collins, ©2025, Clemson Extension

Livestake Sources

Only a handful of riparian species can be used for livestake propagation (Table 1). Elderberry (Fig. 3), black willow, and buttonbush are some of the most common livestake species. Livestakes can be purchased at some native plant nurseries at prices much lower than containerized plants. Livestakes can even be harvested for free if you have access to suitable species. Always get permission from the landowner before harvesting livestakes from their property. An important first step is identifying the correct species and tagging them during the growing season when they are easiest to identify. Livestakes must be harvested during the plant’s dormant season (around November-March), but it can be difficult to identify plants during that time due to a lack of leaves and flowers.

Table 1: Common Species Used For Livestake Installation

Harvesting Livestakes

Figure 4. Livestakes being harvested from a black willow in Berkley County, SC, during the dormant season.
Karen Jackson, ©2025, Former Water Resources Extension Agent

Figure 5. Cut the thicker end of the livestake at a 45-degree angle for ease of installation and to designate the bottom.
Katie Collins, ©2025, Clemson Extension

When harvesting livestakes, do not take more than 5% of the branches from any one plant, to protect the health of the source plant (Fig. 4). Livestakes should be 2-3 feet long and 0.5-2 inches in diameter. Cut the end of the livestake closest to the plant’s main stem at a 45-degree angle to make it easier to drive into the ground during installation. Cut the end of the livestake furthest from the main stem flat, so you know which side of the livestake should face away from the ground (Fig. 5). Livestakes should be installed within a few days of harvesting, though it’s best to install them right away. Keep your cut livestakes cool and moist while storing them. Wrap the cut ends in a wet towel or store them in a bucket with a few inches of water.

Installing Livestakes

Insert livestakes into the stream bank with ¾ of the stake in the ground. Livestakes should be placed approximately 3 feet apart in a triangular pattern with the stakes tilted slightly toward downstream ( Fig. 6, 7). This angle will help prevent high flows from disturbing the livestake and prevent debris from building up. Livestakes can be installed with a rubber mallet or pushed into softer soils by hand. In hard soil, it may be necessary to create a pilot hole for each livestake by driving rebar into the bank with a metal mallet, pulling it out, and inserting the livestake in its place. The livestake should be driven further into the soil with a rubber mallet to ensure good contact with the soil.

Depending on the severity of erosion, it may be beneficial to pair livestaking with other erosion-prevention practices. Erosion control mats can be installed before livestaking (Fig. 7). A mat made of natural fibers, like coir or coconut fiber, is recommended. Livestakes can be installed through gaps in the mat. It can also be beneficial to spread a riparian seed mix and a layer of straw before installing the erosion control mat.

Figure 6. Install livestakes pointing slightly toward downstream.
Katie Collins, ©2025, Clemson Extension

Figure 7. Livestakes should be 2-3 feet apart.
Katie Collins, ©2025, Clemson Extension

Maintenance

Your riparian buffer should require little maintenance, once established. Here are a few things that can help your riparian buffer thrive:

• Install a “no mow” sign or mark the area you have planted to help reduce the risk of accidental removal of desirable plants.
• It may be necessary to water the livestakes during the first year if conditions become dry. Summer is the time they will be at the highest risk of drying out. You can water them using irrigation or hand-water from the stream on dry days. Once they mature, they should not need to be watered.
• Inspect the streambank regularly, especially after storm events. Remove any invasive species and replace any dead or downed beneficial plants.
• Discourage foot or vehicle traffic in the area where livestakes are planted.
• If you notice erosion from upland runoff after storms, address the source of the water using practices like rain gardens, permeable surfaces, and rain barrels.

For more information about protecting streambanks in South Carolina, visit Clemson Extension Water Resources Stream Bank Repair.

References:

1. Hartup, W., Lord, B., Patoprsty, W., Woodward, M., & Woofter, S. (n.d.). Small-scale Solutions to Eroding Streambanks. NC Cooperative Extension.
2. Jackson, K., Live Stakes for Streambank Stabilization. WSP. Streambank Stabilization workshop handout.
3. Jackson, K., & Collins, K. (n.d.). Stream Bank Repair Manual for South Carolina. Clemson Cooperative Extension. https://clemson.edu/sbr
4. USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). https://plants.usda.gov/

Originally published 1/25