Grafting a fruit tree takes a very sharp knife, a tie to hold the scion, the cutting being added, to the rootstock, the rooted base, and a seal such as grafting tape or wax to keep the union from drying out. Clean, sharp tools matter because a graft only takes when the cambium, the thin growing layer under the bark, of both pieces is pressed tightly together.

Why does a grafting knife need to be so sharp?

Because a sharp blade minimizes tissue damage, and the graft succeeds only when the growing layers of the scion and rootstock meet cleanly. Tools are also kept clean to avoid spreading disease, with alcohol the most commonly used sterilizing agent.

What kind of knife does grafting call for?

A general grafting knife, or a specialized one for particular cuts. An all round grafting knife has a blade about 3 inches long and a handle about 4 inches long, while bud grafting, surgical, and pruning knives handle more specific jobs.

What holds and seals a new graft?

Ties and seals. Strips, twine, and budding or grafting tape hold the scion and rootstock together until they join, and clay, wax, petroleum jelly, or adhesive tape seals the union, tight enough to hold moisture but loose enough for growth. On a bud graft, budding tape is wrapped two or three rounds below the bud and two or three above.

Where can grafting technique be learned?

From a practical field guide. Thirty two pages on terminology, tools, types of grafting, and the 10 essentials of successful grafting make up the CW: Grafting Fruit Trees booklet, a Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin by Larry Southwick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there machines that graft trees?

Yes. Automated grafting machines, popular for seedlings in Japan and Korea, can graft up to 800 seedlings per hour, a scale built for commercial nurseries.

Can a saw be used in grafting?

Yes, for large rootstock. Saws, cleavers, and chisels come in when the stock is too large to cut with a knife.

Should grafting ties be kept damp?

Often. Ties are frequently dampened to keep them from drying out before the graft joins.

What happens if a graft seal is too tight?

It can restrict growth. A seal needs to hold moisture in while staying loose enough for the graft to grow.