Refining is a form of propagation in which certain species can be grown as a single variety. This is not the case with seed propagation, since the mixed genetic material of the parent plants can always cause surprises. Even older trees can be transplanted by removing as much of the crown as possible and grafting a new one on.
Various methods can be used to graft trees
Tools and materials needed
First of all, the right tool and the right materials are important for the success of the project.
tools
In terms of tools, here are the ones you should use:
- a copulating or budding knife
- a secateurs (no anvil shears, they only squeeze the branches together!)
- a saw
- Binding material such as raffia or a rubber or plastic finishing band
- Tree wax (12.96€) (can be spread cold)
The tool should be freshly sharpened and disinfected with alcohol or a disinfectant solution. An attempt at grafting often fails due to the lack of hygiene, which results in a fungal infection or similar and thus in the scion not growing. The tool must be sharp, because any bruising must be avoided - and the copulation cuts should be made in one go and without any re-cutting.
scions
Scion is the type of tree from which a new tree is to be grown. One-year-old scions are best suited for this purpose, about as thick as a pencil and unbranched. So-called water shooters can also be used, but the buds should not be too far apart. The latter often indicates that the shoots grew in a poorly exposed area of the tree. Scions are always freshly cut during the hibernation period (in January if possible). Depending on the process, the finishing then takes place immediately or at a later date. Until then, you can keep the sprouts in a cool and damp place - for example wrapped in a damp cloth in the fridge. Only buds intended for budding are cut in summer.
documents
The gardener uses this term to describe the rootstocks on which the noble varieties are grafted and which ultimately determine the growth behavior of the tree. The rootstocks can be weak, medium or strong, depending on whether you want to grow a small or large tree. In addition, thanks to a skilful choice of rootstock, noble varieties that are unsuitable for certain soils can still be adapted - in that the rootstock fits the location. Wild forms of certain cultivars or home-grown seedlings of all sizes are often grafted as rootstock.
The best time
Most grafting methods are carried out during dormancy, which is the appropriate time for so-called scion grafting. Methods such as copulation, grafting or goatsfoot grafting are traditionally carried out in January. In spring and summer you can then perform an oculation or grafting behind the bark. Chip finishing is possible at any time of the year.
Various methods
There are numerous grafting methods, especially as any experienced gardener can certainly add their own secret tricks. In the following, we describe the most common methods in a short guide, which are also easy to carry out for beginners. It is advisable to first practice the necessary cutting techniques on thin willow branches or leftover clippings.
copulation
Copulation is also described as "engrafting into the hand" and is one of the simplest procedures. You need a bare-root substrate and scion of the same thickness. First, cut the rootstock about four inches above the root collar and opposite a bud. The incision should be about three centimeters long and run at an angle. Carry out the same cut on the scion. Now place the cut surfaces on top of each other - they must fit exactly and wrap a band around the buds to stabilize them. Then spread the finishing area with tree wax.
oculation
The budding is also quite uncomplicated and is mainly used in rose and fruit tree cultivation. Incidentally, this is not about crossing two varieties - you only use one variety as a root base and, if necessary, as a trunk builder. The actual oculation takes place between July and August:
- At the desired level of grafting (usually just above ground level), make a T-cut in the bark of the rootstock.
- Just cut into the cambrian, the green part.
- Never cut deep into the wood.
- Carefully unfold the two wings of the T-cut.
- Cut out an eye from the prepared scion.
- This should not have any wood, just the thin layer of bark.
- Gently slide the eye into the bark pocket from top to bottom.
- Cut off any protruding parts flush with the horizontal bark cut.
- Wrap the whole thing with an oculation patch or grafting tape.
- The eye should remain free.
Grafting behind the bark
If the trunk of the rootstock is significantly thicker than the diameter of the scion, you can connect both parts with the plug behind the bark. A good time for this measure is spring between mid-April and mid-May, although the bark must be easy to remove.
- Add a smooth copulation cut to the scion(s).
- Cut the underlay to the desired height.
- Make a longitudinal cut in the bark at the top.
- This should be as long as the copulation cut of the scion.
- Carefully slide the scion into the resulting pocket.
- Connect the grafting site.
- Spread out all open interfaces with tree wax.
tips
If the refinement was successful, the scion or scion will sprout after a few weeks. However, if it dries up, you have to repeat the process.