How to Graft Fruit Trees

It's important to know how to graft fruit trees if you want to start an orchard or plant more trees in your yard. Grafting is the only way to create a large amount of fruit trees in one place. This method is also a good way to save a tree that has become damaged. Grafting involves taking a twig or branch from one fruit tree and inserting it into another. This process helps create plants with healthy fruit, and it promotes a healthy tree. The trees you purchase at a nursery have most likely been grafted from other trees. The following will provide you with some tips on how to graft your fruit trees.

Step 1 - Cut a Bud

Cut a budding branch by using a saw designed for large branches. You can also use a sharp knife for smaller branches to make a cut at a 45° angle. Branches cut at this angle are easier to attach to a fruit tree because the branches are able to closely bond with the tree. A close bond means the tree is more likely to survive and grow.  

Step 2 - Match the Branches

Match the branches together that you have just cut by securing them with grafting or electrical tape. Use rubber bands to fully secure the two branches together. Wrap them together very tightly to ensure the graft takes hold, but don't graft so tightly that you cut off circulation.  

Step 3 - Cover the Graft

Cover the graft with a paper or plastic bag to protect it from rain, bugs, and sunlight. Every once in a while, check the ground for earwigs, spiders, and other insects. If you find bugs on the graft, remove them.  

Step 4 - Wait

Wait for the branches to grow together and fuse. This can take two to four weeks to occur, but after a certain amount of time the new branch will begin budding and growing. When you notice the grafted branch growing, remove the paper bag, rubber bands, and tape. Now the branch can grow on its own.  

Step 5 - Continue Grafting

Graft a few more branches to make sure the tree grows strong. By grafting as many branches as possible, the fruit tree has a better chance to grow faster and produce more fruit. If you're grafting on small branches, add more than one stick to each branch.  

Grafting is also important to create crossbreeds of similar plants. Most fruit trees of the same variety are easy to graft. For example, almost all citrus trees are compatible with other citruses.  

Grafting can be a rewarding experience whether you're growing an orchard full of fruit trees, or adding a few more trees to your backyard garden. Once you gain more experience in the practice, it will come very naturally to you.