How to Graft Tree Cuttings

Grafting trees is a way to grow fruit-bearing trees that you cannot propagate from seeds. Trees must be compatible for you to graft them. For example, you can graft two types of apple trees, but you cannot graft an apple tree to a citrus tree. Grafting can be very difficult and it may take repeated tries before you are successful. Also, grafted trees may take years to bear fruit. You should graft the trees in November or December, when the trees are dormant.

Things You'll Need

• Grafting tape
• Hedge cutters
• Saw
• Knife
• Grafting wax or tar

Instructions

1. Trim down the parent tree. Leave the start of one branch.

2. Make a cut 2 to 3 inches long vertically down the side of the branch with your knife.

3. Cut a branch from the tree you want to graft to the parent tree. Cut it at a 45-degree angle and make sure it is no larger than a pencil.

4. Insert this branch into the cut in the parent tree with the 45-degree angle facing the parent tree.

5. Repeat this process until you have new branches every 4 inches on the parent tree.

6. Tape the branches to the parent tree when finished.

7. Put grafting tar on the cut sections of the parent tree and the new branches, to reduce the risk of disease and rotting.

References

• University of Minnesota: Grafting and Budding Fruit Trees
• Washington State University: Grafting