Here’s how to treat a successful approach graft on black pine. The first step is removing any tape holding the graft in place.
Tape holding graft in place
After removing tape
Next, remove the stub with concave cutters.
Removing the stub
A chisel can be used to further gouge out the stub to ensure that the wound heals even with bark around it.
Gouging the base of the stub
Adding a dab of cut paste seals the wound while it heals. The wound will likely heal in about one year.
Adding a dab of cut paste
The tree belongs to a Bay Island Bonsai member who has been developing the branches pretty much from scratch over the past couple of years. It’s coming along nicely. At this rate, the tree will be in great shape in just a few years – it might even be show ready in 5-10 years.
Black pine in early stages of development – can you spot the recent graft?
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Matthiew Quinn says
Hello Jonas. I also have a pine that is in need of approach grafting … and i am wondering what time of year is best to do this ?
Matthiew Quinn
Zack Clayton says
Was this bark on bark or did you remove some at the point of contact? And yes, what season is it best to start one of these grafts? I’m in Ohio so I assume it is not the same time of year as you did the graft.
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Zack and Matthiew – bark is typically shaved so the cambium layers have a chance to meet up. As to the season, my understanding is that approach grafts can be struck any time when the tree is active. I’ve only tried this in summer, though I’ve seen others do earlier and later in the growing season.
Matthiew Quinn says
Thank you Jonas. Then I will be trying some grafts shortly.
matthiew
Zack Clayton says
Thank you. I will be shaving some bark soon also.