How to Graft Fruit Branches

Fruit trees will grow more plentifully, once grafted.

Homeowners who plant fruit trees in their backyards and expect to soon see a plentiful harvest are in for disappointment. Grafting is necessary before most fruit trees will bear fruit. Grafting takes place during the dormant season; it is possible to graft together wood from the same fruit variety or from two separate fruit tree varieties. Multiple grafting methods are available, including the cleft graft.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Grafting wax

Instructions

1. Select a scion three to four inches long and about a half-inch in diameter. A scion is a piece of wood taken from a tree with strong growth that will promote new growth in another tree. Thus, select your scion from a fruit tree that had a good harvest the year before. Make a tapering cut one inch long on both sides of the scion at the same end.

2. Cut off the stock branch, the branch on the tree in which the scion will be inserted, with a sharp knife or saw.

3. Create a split, or cleft, across the exposed end of the stock that extends two to three inches deep. Insert a knife or other tool into the cleft to prop it open.

4. Insert the scion into the cleft. Ensure that the cambium layer, a thin layer of scion growth between the bark and wood, is touching the cambium layer on the stock. Remove the tool propping the cleft open so it closes tightly around the scion.

5. Cover all exposed surfaces with grafting wax.

References

• Penn State University: Grafting and Propagating Fruit Trees