What is grafting?

Grafting is the process in which part of one tree is taken and attached to a different tree where it will continue to grow. Often, trees must be of the same species or genus for this to work, although grafting within the same family is also possible. I.e. we use apple rootstock for apples, and pear rootstock for pears; while there is occasionally some graft compatibility between apple and pear, it is far and few between. 

Most commonly in our fields and orchards we use the following methods of grafting:

• Bench grafting: a small branch called a scion or scionwood is cut from one tree, a matching cut is made on rootstock, then they are fitted and tied together.
• Chip budding: which involves cutting the bud from one tree, making a matching cut on the rootstock, inserting the bud into the cut, then wrapping it. 
• Bark Inlay: scionwood is carefully cut and shaped, then inserted directly into the bark of another tree.

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