Grafting is a very simple manipulation for the growth, development and yield of fruit trees. This is a natural step in caring for an apple tree to improve its varietal properties. Those who have not done this before often mistakenly believe that it is too difficult and incomprehensible. But it’s not like that! We have already prepared step-by-step instructions for you on how to plant an apple tree in spring!
When is an apple tree inoculated?
In fact, grafting is not necessary, because the tree is growing anyway. But there are situations when it should not be neglected if you want to get a good result. For example, vaccination is indispensable if the quantity and quality of fruits decreases every year.
If you want to save space and grow several varieties together, they will have to be grafted. If you need to improve the general condition of the apple tree, restore it after rodents - you need a vaccination again. It will also be needed when growing from seeds, not seedlings, because such trees do not retain varietal characteristics.
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Apple grafting methods (video)
There are different methods, depending on the region, the weather and the season outside. There is no definite recommendation for all cases, because everywhere there are nuances. We share options and step-by-step instructions, and you already choose!
Budding
This is the most common technique and is suitable even for northern regions. It can also be used almost any time of the year until mid-autumn, depending on the weather. Make a small, neat incision in the bark and insert the swollen bud into it.
Copulation
When the branches ideally match in diameter, make an identical oblique cut on each in different directions. Connect one branch so that all layers match exactly, and tie. This method is used for very young trees up to two years old. To make the rootstock with the scion grow together better, make small longitudinal cuts - something like a groove-ridge system.
Cleavage grafting
This method is not applicable for year-round use, but in early spring it shows almost one hundred percent results. The main thing is that the tree is more than three years old. The sharpened stalk of the scion is set in a cruciform or straight split of the rootstock. You can install several branches on one base.
Side cut grafting
The technology resembles grafting into a split, but instead of splitting, make a small cut in the upper layer of wood. It passes through the bark at an angle of up to 30 degrees. Place the stalk so that the layers overlap, if possible, at least partially.
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How to plant an apple tree in spring - step by step
Spring is considered the optimal season for grafting an apple tree, although technically it can always be done. Wait for the snow to melt - around April, depending on the region. An active vegetation process just begins and everything will definitely take root. But even if something goes wrong, you still have a reserve to rectify the situation.
Harvesting cuttings
Cuttings are harvested in winter, immediately after the first frost, when the tree goes into hibernation. Choose healthy annual shoots up to 3.5 cm in length. Be sure to cut the cut so that its final diameter is about three times the original.
Until spring, the cuttings are stored in the basement or any other dark, cool place to rest. Dip them in wet sawdust or wrap them in a cloth. Bring them into the room by spring so they warm up a couple of days before vaccination. You can cut the branches in the spring, but at the very beginning, while the buds are not yet swollen.
Instrument preparation
It is very important to properly handle the knife and saw you will be using. They must be freshly sharpened and thoroughly washed.Wash the instruments with soap and an antiseptic so as not to introduce any infection into the scion.
Rootstock selection
The rootstock is the foundation tree to which the cuttings are grafted. These can be mature cultivated apple trees, but other crops can also be used. The result is not as predictable and reliable, but some characteristics can be significantly improved.
The rowan rootstock increases the frost resistance of the fruit tree. It is better to take chokeberry, because cuttings take root less well with red-fruited. Keep in mind that the apple tree will be fruitful, but the fruits will shrink.
Very often, an apple tree is spliced with a pear or quince, but there is a fundamentally important nuance. Apple cuttings will not take root on the pear rootstock, but on the contrary - there are no problems. The pear feels great on the apple tree in most cases.
Variation processing
After inoculation, a fresh wound must be treated with garden varnish, which protects against bacteria, infections, fungus and external influences. You can make it yourself from rosin and beeswax. Fat, linseed oil and ash are added to them.
Scion strapping
After grafting the apple tree, it is imperative to protect the fresh wound with a bandage. Make sure that it is well fixed, but overtighten it too tightly. After the spring grafting, there is enough tissue, but use polyethylene with electrical tape as appropriate.
Because of the black electrical tape, the place warms up and recovers faster. Blue duct tape is considered to be stronger, so the connection will hold on tightly. If you are using film, do not overlap the stem itself in case it opens up. On top, you can treat the binding with linseed oil-based paint or pure linseed oil.
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Apple tree care after vaccination
Be sure to remove new shoots that form under the grafting, because they pull juices and nutrients onto themselves. Water the tree regularly and mulch the soil to retain moisture. All additional fertilizing should also be done according to the standard schedule - there are no contraindications.
Two weeks later, remove the harness and check to see if the wound is healing. While everything is in order, renew the bandage and let it stay in place for a couple of weeks. But when the cut does not begin to tighten, remove the scion, again disinfect the wound with a varnish and leave it to heal.
During the first summer, be sure to protect the tree from direct sunlight. Closer to autumn, take care of protection from bad weather, because strong winds are dangerous. Before wintering, you will definitely need hilling to keep useful components and moisture in the soil.
When the spring grafting takes root, pruning will be needed - leave only the strongest shoot. And be sure to tie up the grafted apple tree as it grows, because the wound completely heals for more than one year. This place remains very sensitive and delicate.
