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| Bud Grafting Book Illustration |
Bud grafting needs to be done when the bark is loose, or "slipping" as stated in books. If an incision is made in a fairly young stem, the bark lifts from the underlying tissue fairly easily.
I wanted to work quickly, so did not take photos of the process. I have never done or seen this procedure, so it's a gamble. That never stops me.
The illustration is an old book illustration. It is long past copyright.
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| Shiro bud graft on unknown stock. |
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| Red leaf plum bud graft on unknown stock. |
Then, I cut the leaves from the scion branches, leaving the amount shown. That serves as handle.
I used a very sharp grafting knife, cutting through the young bark to make a shield with central bud, as in the illustration. I peeled that off the donor branch.
The shield is slipped into the T incision, then wrapped with plastic grafting strips.
It sounds easier than it is, but I felt like most of these attempts had a chance to survive.
I noticed, the moist inside wood was white, but changed to brown in a few minutes. I don't know if that's harmful, but I suspect it's not good. I proceeded as quickly as possible.
This is early for budding. If they take, it's possible they will start growing in a few weeks.
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| Shiro bud graft on Methley stock. |
Budding now also gives me practice to try again later.
I also noted one of my pruning efforts earlier this year stimulated one very vigorous new growth, with easily sliced and manipulated bark. That served as stock for two budding attempts. If they take, ultimately they might replace a branch of the tree.
