Grafting Fruit Trees

There are several different ways to help your fruit trees propagate, but one of the most effective methods is grafting. Grafting fruit trees isn't all that difficult. In fact, it is so simple that, depending on the amount of grafts that you plan on doing, you could be finished with the project in as little time as 30 minutes. All you really need to do is follow these instructions, and you will have completed the grafting process. Keep in mind that ideally you will want to do the grafting early in the season, before any buds start to form.

Materials needed:

• At least two compatible fruit trees
• Grafting wax
• Grafting tape
• Cellophane (optional)
• Sharp handheld pruning shears
• Plastic bag (optional)
• Sharp knife

Procedure:

1. Locate compatible fruit trees. The first step in grafting fruit trees is to actually locate some compatible trees. If you use incompatible trees, your efforts won't only be wasted, but you can also potentially damage the trees that you are trying to help. If you are unsure about the compatibility of the trees, simply ask your local nursery for help.
2. Cut some twigs. Once you have identified some compatible trees, it is time to gather the twigs for the grafts. Identify the twigs or thin sticks that you will use (though twigs are better) and then cut them at a 45-degree angle. This will help offer support, and allow you an easier time of lining the sticks up. If you will not be attaching the grafting immediately, place a bit of grafting wax on the cuts to help protect the tree and the twigs.
3. Place and protect the twigs. Align the twigs with the cuts on the alternate tree. While gently holding the twig in place, keeping it as aligned as possible, secure the twig to the tree. Ideally you will want to use grafting tape for this, but if you don't have any available you can also use electrical tape or duct tape to do the same thing.
4. Carefully bind. When binding the twigs, you want to first use some rubber bands to hold them in place. Don't have them too tight or you could end up causing problems for the twigs later on. With the rubber bands in place, begin wrapping the joint with some tape. Again, don't make it too tight, just firm.
5. Keep an eye on the grafting. Keep an eye on the grafting for the next two to three weeks to ensure that everything is all right. After that time, baring any problems, you should begin seeing some buds and leaves forming on the new tree branch.