Grafting Trees: What is Tree Grafting and How to Do It?

Have you ever wanted to combine the best qualities of two different fruit trees into one? Or perhaps you want to revive a dying tree by grafting a healthy branch onto it? If so, then tree grafting might be an interesting technique for you to try. In this article, we will explore what tree grafting is, how it works, and how to do it.

Understanding Tree Grafting

Tree grafting is a horticultural technique where a piece of one plant - called the scion - is inserted into another plant - called the rootstock - in such a way that the two pieces grow together as one. The goal of grafting is to create a new plant that has the desirable traits of both the scion and the rootstock.

The scion is usually a twig or a bud from the plant that produces the desired fruit, while the rootstock is a young plant that provides the root system and often other desirable traits such as disease resistance or hardiness. By grafting the scion onto the rootstock, the resulting plant can produce the desired fruit and have the strength and vigor of the rootstock.

Why Graft Trees?

There are several reasons why people graft trees:

• To combine the best qualities of two different fruit trees into one, such as the taste of one fruit and the hardiness of another;
• To reproduce a particularly good variety of fruit tree that cannot be grown from seeds;
• To revitalize a dying or damaged tree by grafting a healthy branch onto it;
• To make use of the roots of one tree to grow another type of tree that does not do well in the local soil;
• To create ornamental plants with different colored leaves, flowers, or fruits.

Types of Grafting

There are several types of grafting techniques, including:

• Cleft grafting, which involves cutting off the top of the rootstock and splitting it down the middle to insert the scion;
• Bark grafting, which involves making a slit in the bark of the rootstock and inserting a scion into the cambium layer;
• Bud grafting, which involves inserting a bud from the scion into a slit in the bark of the rootstock;
• Whip grafting, which involves cutting a sloping cut on both the scion and the rootstock and joining them together;
• Inarching or bridge grafting, which involves growing a rooted shoot from the rootstock and then grafting it onto the desired scion.

How to Graft Trees

Grafting trees can be a delicate process, but with patience and practice, anyone can learn how to do it. Here are the basic steps:

1. Select a healthy scion from the tree that produces the desired fruit.
2. Choose a suitable rootstock with a healthy root system and desirable traits.
3. Prepare both the scion and the rootstock by making a clean diagonal cut on each.
4. Join the scion to the rootstock by matching the cambium layer of both pieces and binding them together with grafting tape or wax.
5. Protect the grafted area from sunlight and pests.
6. Monitor the progress of the graft and remove any shoots that grow from below the graft union.

Tips for Successful Tree Grafting

Here are some tips to help ensure success when grafting trees:

• Make sure your tools are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the scion or rootstock;
• Match the diameter of the scion and the rootstock to ensure a good fit;
• Seal the grafted area properly to prevent moisture loss and infection;
• Choose a time of year when the tree is dormant to increase the chances of success;
• Practice on small branches first before attempting to graft larger ones;
• Be patient and give the graft time to heal and grow.

Example of Two Trees Grafted Together

Grafting trees can be a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you want to create a unique fruit tree or revive a dying one, with the right tools and techniques, you can successfully graft trees and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, healthy plant.

grafting, horticulture, fruit trees, scion, rootstock, cleft grafting, bark grafting, bud grafting, whip grafting, inarching