How to Graft Mature Trees

Grafting mature trees is performed with a cleft grafting method in the same manner as younger trees. Cleft grafting is more successful with larger branches and allows more than one scion, or bud stick, to be grown from a single cleft graft. Cleft grafting can add a branch to a tree, repair a damaged branch or even intertwine species. For instance, a pink dogwood tree can be mingled with a white blooming dogwood tree through grafting for a display of both colors on a single tree.

Saw
Grafting chisel
Hammer
Grafting knife
Grafting compound
Twine

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a branch 4 to 6 feet from the ground and cut it flush 3 feet from the trunk with a saw.
- 2
  Point a grafting chisel into the branch on the cut end and carefully hit the end of the chisel with a hammer until the chisel slices into the branch. Do not split the branch. Continue until a cleft is cut into the tree 2 to 3 inches deep.
- 3
  Cut two scions from the prior year's growth three buds long with a grafting knife. Cut the end of each scion into a wedge 1½ inches long. Do not sharpen the point.
- 4
  Place a screwdriver into the cleft cut on the branch and separate the cleft enough to slide the scion into the cleft. Tilt the scion until the angled wedge cut has made contact with the inside of the cleft cut. Repeat on the opposite side of the cleft cut with the second scion.
- 5
  Cover the entire cleft graft with grafting compound. Paint the union completely with the compound to protect it.
- 6
  Protect new growth from breakage caused by birds by tying new-growth shoots lightly together until they are strong enough to support themselves.

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