I've never grafted anything before but I have a pine that absolutely needs a couple grafts, so I need advice from someone with experience.
I'm planning to use scions/branches that I prune off the same tree, and graft them on a bare area of the trunk.
I believe the method I have in mind is called a stub graft.
I've looked up general videos and info but found nothing on pines specifically, nor on the following questions.
What are the chances of the graft taking when using a 1-year-old growth tip versus something like a 3-year-old small branch? Is it worth trying both, in close proximity, for the best chances?
I could only find the grafting tape in the picture, but is this one biodegradable like parafilm? Because it does smell like plastic or silicone.
Any general advice, beyond what's mentioned in the usual deciduous grafting videos, would also be greatly appreciated.
by PhanThom-art
3 Comments
I did a search for “pine branch grafting” (without quotes) and got a bunch of results. I think an approach graft or thread graft would be the best option.
Grafting is an art. Little that I know, from Japanese maple grafts, is to make sure your understock is warm and starting to push for the season and that the scions are still dormant. My immediate thought was a veneer graft, but I know there are many other types
Here’s an example article that shows bud grafting. [https://bonsaitonight.com/2010/03/02/trunk-grafting-black-pine/](https://bonsaitonight.com/2010/03/02/trunk-grafting-black-pine/)
Biodegradable isn’t a necessary attribute for grafting tape, you’ll want it to be on long enough to secure/protect the graft. Just remove it a few months after the graft takes.
Don’t use weak branches for grafting scions. Make sure the tree is vigorous before grafting.