How to Start a Graph From an Existing Pear Tree

Fruit trees need to be grafted to begin to bare fruit.

While grafting can be done to most trees, it is especially appealing for fruit trees. Grafting is the process by which the limb of a fruit-baring tree is united to the branch of another tree. Grafting a pear tree to another fruit tree will cause the new tree to take on characteristics of the pear tree, including, ideally, to start producing the same fruit.

Things You'll Need

• Grafting chisel
• Grafting compound
• Screwdriver
• Cutting tool

Instructions

1. Cut a small branch from a pear tree, known as a scion in the grafting process. A scion should be approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The best time to collect a scion is in late winter or early spring, while the pear tree is dormant.

2. Cut off a branch on the new tree, often referred to as the root tree. Make sure to leave a stump when you cut off the branch.

3. Create a large crack, or cleft, in the stump, using a grafting chisel. The cleft should typically be 1 to 3 inches deep and run the length of the stump. Use a screwdriver to widen the cleft, if necessary.

4. Whittle the end of the scion to a "V" shape at one end. Don't make the scion too sharp, as this may make it less stable in the cleft.

5. Insert the scion into the cleft, one at each end. The scion should point upward, in the same direction a branch would naturally grow.

6. Wrap the scion and root branch union to protect it from the elements. Alternatively, use grafting compound on and around the cleft to seal it.

Tips & Warnings

• On a larger tree, use two scions to ensure that the graft takes to the tree.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Grafting and Budding Fruit Trees
• SmallKitchenGarden: Strategies for Grafting Fruit Trees