Tree Grafting and Propagation

Tree grafting and propagation encompass the horticultural and silvicultural techniques used to actively reproduce, multiply, and preserve specific tree varieties, cultivars, or superior genetic lines.

While many forest trees are grown from seed (sexual propagation), seed genetics are highly variable, meaning that the offspring of a high-yielding fruit tree or a beautifully figured timber tree will rarely inherit the exact characteristics of the parent. To bypass this genetic lottery, managers utilize vegetative (asexual) propagation.

Grafting is a highly sophisticated form of this, involving the physical joining of a dormant twig containing buds from a desired tree variety, known as the scion, onto the established root system of another compatible tree, known as the rootstock. The cambium layers of both pieces must be perfectly aligned so they can fuse together, creating a single, functional vascular system. This technique is absolutely essential for preserving historic orchard fruit cultivars, ensuring consistent fruit quality, managing tree size through dwarfing rootstocks, and accelerating tree maturity so that young trees bear fruit or seeds decades earlier than those grown from seed.

Grafted varieties of trees with desired characteristics are planted in gardens, parks and orchards. Features include leaf colour, size and fruiting. For example, anyone wanting to produce walnut fruits (nuts) should choose a grafted variety, such as Lara or Fernor.