Cloning, which occurs naturally in many tree species, is assuming a rapidly expanding role in commercial forestry. Cloning is the production of genetically identical copies (ramets) from an original, selected individual (ortet). Direct evidence of humans cloning woody plants dates to circa 1000 BCE. Indeed, such cloning probably occurred much earlier when some prehistoric person noticed that fresh branches stuck in the ground would sometimes take root and produce a new stem.

Cloning has long been the standard practice for producing many tree food crops, such as apples and bananas. It is also a main propagation technique in the woody ornamental field, to faithfully reproduce tree shapes, foliage color, lack of seed production, and other unique traits. Cloning specifically for producing improved plantations dates back at least to the 1800s with sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) in Japan and hybrid poplars (Populus spp.) in Europe. With the rapid growth of genetic improvement efforts in the 1950s, cloning became important as the basis of most seed orchards (plantations of trees established for the purpose of producing genetically improved seed). Until recently, the establishment of large plantations of cloned trees was limited to a few species that could be rooted inexpensively from stem cuttings. Now, all that is changing due to tissue culture and other biotechnology methods.

The ability to clone trees is one of the most important tools that will be used in constructing the highly productive, very specialized tree plantations the world will need to meet its future requirements for wood products, renewable energy, and some biological chemicals. However, indiscriminate cloning also carries significant risks for the long-term stability of plantations.