Grafting resources?

[j-bird]

I have a crab-apple tree that I planted with the full intent to experiment with (its an ornamental type). Now that I have a few apples on other trees I want to try my hand at grafting, but I have NEVER done this before.

I have 5 other apple trees to pull from and I have no preference on how or the like.....I need to know how to do it so a rookie can have success with it. I do think I would like to start with branches......cutting off the entire top of the tree and trying a few for the first time scares me to death. My "franken tree" has been in the ground for a few years now so it is established and I don't think that will be an issue.

Oh - pictures, lots of pictures. You won't offend me by talking slow.......

 

[Neahawg]

If your wanting to start this year your best bet is to t bud. Basically what you will do toward the end of my or early Aug is make a t shaped cut onto the mother tree branch you want to graft. Then you will need to cut a bud of the tree you want to graft and slide it into the t. Then with any type of grafting tape wrap it up. Some folks use plumbing tape with good success.


Tips I've seen are to be sure and peel the any bark from the back of the bud before inserting it. Also lots of great videos on YouTube.

 

[Turkey Creek]

That is your best approach for this fall. I have had poor success with T-budding so I wont add to the above, there are plenty of people who do have luck with T-budding. If you want to graft next spring you will have a number of different approaches.

 

[dogdoc]

I have never t-budded but do a lot of spring time grafting. Check out Stephen Hayes on YouTube. He has some great videos on grafting. Get an idea of how to do it then lots of practice. Collect your scions late winter and graft as soon as the parent tree comes out of dormancy. Apples are very forgiving and very easy to graft.

 

[j-bird]

I can wait until spring - I do t really care I just need a method that an idiot like me has a chance of success

 

[Neahawg]

If you already have the apples you want for your mother tree the above method is great way to go ahead and try and if it doesn't take you can either cleft or whip and tounge in the spring.

 

[Turkey Creek]

If you already have the apples you want for your mother tree the above method is great way to go ahead and try and if it doesn't take you can either cleft or whip and tounge in the spring.

That is true. If you are bored in a few weeks give T-budding a shot.

 

[Lot2Learn]

This video does a good job of explaining t-budding:

My first try at t-budding I had a 50% take rate, but if you'll be doing lots of t-buds on the branches of a more mature tree, I bet you'll have at least 'acceptable' success.

 

[Sam]

great video