Fruit trees are usually grafted in order to transfer desired characteristics of the rootstock, such as vigour, robustness, etc. to the noble variety. However, so that the rootstock cannot sprout, the grafting point should by no means be in the ground.
The grafting point can be in three different places
Locate grafting site
Tree nurseries usually graft fruit trees in three possible places:
- at the root neck: grafting just above the ground, using only the root system of the rootstock
- at the base of the crown: the base is used as a root and stem-former, only the crown of the noble variety
- on the main branches: often multiple grafts directly in the crown structure, often in trees with several grafted varieties
You can recognize the grafting point by the typical thickening or the "kink" in the otherwise regular trunk. It is all the more noticeable the younger the tree is. On the other hand, these spots are often no longer visible on old fruit trees. The thickening at the root neck is particularly relevant for determining the correct planting depth.
Grafting determines the vigor of the fruit tree
Fruit trees are grafted onto slow-growing, medium-growing or strong-growing rootstocks, depending on the final size the tree is supposed to reach. For example, if you plant a weak fruit tree too deep, it can suddenly sprout unexpectedly vigorously and develop numerous wild veins. The cause is the undesired sprouting of the rootstock or scion, which costs the plant strength and also impairs the growth of the noble variety.
Observe the correct planting depth
To prevent this from happening, the correct planting depth must be carefully observed. So the grafting point just above the root neck does not belong in the ground - and not just above it either. Instead, it should be at least ten centimeters above the surface of the earth and thus not have any contact with the ground. A good guideline is the depth at which the sapling stood in the pot or container - as long as it is potted and not bare-rooted. Make a note of this, because you should plant the fruit tree just as deep.
What to do if the grafting point drives out?
If you plant the fruit tree too deep, the base can sprout with all the negative consequences. With the formation of its own roots, the noble variety is rejected - sometimes only after a few years. To prevent this, any root suckers should be removed as quickly as possible, although superficial cutting is not sufficient. Instead, you must sever these shoots right at their source. You should also remove the soil in which the grafting site is located and cut off the roots that have grown from it.
tips
If you have voles in the garden, you can plant the rootstock of the fruit tree inside a rabbit wire basket. Then the rodents have no chance to eat the roots.