Why graft a fruit tree?

Grafting is the most successful propagation method for fruit trees. The fruit of the new tree will be identical to that of the one you wish to reproduce. The grafted tree will produce fruit more quickly than a tree obtained from a seed sown in the ground. Seedlings have the disadvantage of not always bearing fruit that is identical to what they wanted.
The principle of grafting is to bring the tissues of a scion (branch taken from the tree to be propagated) into contact with those of the host tree, called the rootstock. This feeds the graft, by creating a link between it and the soil There are several grafting techniques.

A part of the Verger patrimonial de la Côte-du-Sud, photo Ruralys, 2016

Everything will go relatively smoothly if you:

• remove and attach the grafts at the right time of year;
• ensure that the graft is compatible with and adapted to its rootstock;
• care for the new tree properly.

This row of grafted apple trees is around ten years old.