How to Graft Sprouts From Pecan Stumps

Select an appropriate rootstock before gathering a pecan sprout for grafting. Identify a side branch measuring 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Find one that stands 6 to 8 feet off the ground to keep it safe from being bumped or bothered by foraging animals.

Sever the branch straight across using a bow saw or other sharp cutting implement. Peel off a 1-inch wide and 4-inch long portion of bark on the south-facing side of the branch using a grafting knife. Make sure to remove the bark in one piece since it will later be used to cover the graft. Set the bark aside.

Gather a 10- to 15-inch long sprout from a mature, well-established pecan tree. Find one with a straight stem that measures 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter and two to four healthy leaf nodes with plump buds. Sever the sprout with the bow saw. Cut off the top inch of the sprout using the grafting knife.

Lay the blade of your grafting knife against the base of the sprout. Make a 3-inch long angled cut lengthwise into the flesh of the sprout. Cut the branch in one long, continuous stroke so the surface will be flat. Avoid making a jagged or halting cut since the surface will be uneven and won't make secure contact with the rootstock.

Turn the sprout over. Scrape off a very thin layer of bark from the opposite side of the sprout as the angled cut. Remove only the thick outer bark without scraping off the cambium, which is a vascular layer of flesh with a greenish color just below the bark.

Press the angled side of the sprout onto the cut portion of the rootstock. Align the sprout so the top 1/8-inch of the angled cut is visible above the top of the rootstock. Take the piece of bark gathered in Step 2 and place it over the sprout. Hold it firmly in place.

Wrap budding tape around the graft. Completely cover all parts of the rootstock where it touches the sprout. Cover the budding tape with a layer of aluminum foil to help reflect sunlight, which will keep the graft cool.

Cut a small hole in the bottom of a clear plastic bag. Place the bag over the graft so the sprout emerges from the hole. Pull the bag down until the bottom rests on the top of the rootstock. Seal the bag around the rootstock using a length of budding tape. Make two small slashes just above where the plastic bag is taped to allow moisture to escape.

Dab white glue on the tip of the sprout to help seal in moisture and reflect strong sunlight, which will keep the sprout healthy and hydrated. Use orange shellac if white glue is unavailable.

Remove the plastic bag and aluminum foil six weeks after striking the graft. Keep the sprout pruned for the first year to keep it from being dislodged by strong wind.