How do I graft trees?

radiata

Hi, I was wondering does anyone know how to graft trees (Oak and Beech). I saw a very large beech tree with a huge oak branch coming out of it, thought it looked really nice.
What is the process involved in doing this. I have a good few of both trees that are about 2-3 feet high but have never done anything like this.
Thanks

Oldtree

never heard of an oak being grafted onto a beech before, any chance of a photo?

If it actually works then the following may be of some help:

Grafting demonstrated, so if you think of this video for small beech branch to small oak branch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UC5Dr3tWDc

this video for big beech branch to small oak branch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb8kw_q6mKg&feature=relmfu

There are a number of different ways to cut the joint and the above is the simplest. The most important thing is to abutt and ajoin as much cambium as possible between the 2 twigs to be successful. ie to have the joining bits as close in size and shape as possible. The cambium is the living layer ot the tree, green bit just under the bark and this is the bit that welds togeather. The poster of the videos does not make this clear and instead refers to joining wood which does not in fact join up.

I have seen grafting done (horticultural tape and grafting wax was used on apples) and done a few practice joints but not actually done it on live material and intend to do this Fruit Tree Grafting course next year:

http://www.fruitandnut.ie/workshops.html

radiata

Sorry I don't have a photo of it, I saw it last year in some forest park in Cavan. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it.
Do you know how long the tape should be left on it before being removed?
I'll definitely give it a go....and probably kill a load of trees in the process!

Oldtree

These put it well:

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/hort/info/fruit/graft.htm

"Grafting tape. This is a special tape with a cloth backing that decomposes before girdling can occur. Tapes may be used for binding grafts where there is not enough natural pressure. Rubber Electrician's tape is an excellent material that will bind and protect graft unions.

Plastic electrical and masking tapes are also used. Plastic tape can be a problem because it lasts to long and may constrict the growth of the graft. If used, choose a brand that is elastic and will stick well to itself. Do not stretch this tape too tightly or it may crack or weather. Masking tape is suitable where little pressure is required, as in the whip graft."

So you need to keep an eye on it to make sure that the tape dosnt strangle the tree. I would say that the graft should be well on its way by the following winter so remove then. Have a good look at the union and that will tell you. Do not pull it off but remove it gently perhaps by cutting with a nail sissors. Any small bits of plastic that has been caught by the graft are best left there as pulling them out would damage the union. The same would go for barbed wire that a tree has grown around, If you pull it out you will damage the tree, better to cut the barbed wire just above the bark and let the tree grow round the stub of wire.