How to Graft Ornamental Trees
Ornamental trees are the marriage of form and function. Small branches from one tree are joined to the rootstock of a compatible tree to make disease-resistant, beautiful tree. The process can be time-consuming, as it involves carefully splitting a tree so that branches from a new tree can be shaped and form to join it.
- Choose a rootstock tree that grows
well in your local climate. Choosing a different variety of the same
tree from which to make a scion out of is best. The scions should be
mo more than one year old and the rootstock no more than inch in
diameter. A graft is possible if the rootstock is as large as the
one-year old branch from which the scion is cut. If the rootstock is
larger, two scions should be made, one to graft into both sides of
the vertical cut made straight down the middle of the rootstock. - Understand the physical structure
of the plants used to graft together. There is a layer of cells
beneath the bark called the cambium. The cambium group of cells are
the cells that transport nutrients from the roots to the leaves of
the plants. To create a successful graft, expose the thin layer of
cambium cells on both the rootstock and scion. This will allow the
two items to marry more successfully. - Make practice cutes on the branch
from the tree that you are making into the rootstock. Cut a branch
about ¼ inches in diameter. The rootstock will be the thickest part
of the branch, and will be used as a rootstock. - Use grafting tool or sharp knife
to make a 1-inch cut straight cut down the center of the new
rootstock. - Make scions using the rest of the
branch. Each scion should have three buds on them. Make a cut to
remove the scion from the rest of the branch. Cut the thin layer of
bark into a wedge with a smooth tip. Repeat on the opposite side of
the scion until a wedge has been created on that side as well. - Remove the top of the rootstock
tree and make a vertical cut into the trunk. Place a scion into the
graft you have made in the rootstock. If the rootstock and scion
don't fit adjust the cuts on one or both. - Secure the graft by wrapping it
tightly with budding tape. Water and care for the tree as you
normally would. In six to eight weeks a whitish spot should appear
around the graft, and the marriage has been successful.