Using The Cleft Graft

One way to determine which graft to use is by what you’re grafting to. If I’m grafting to a Root Stock I will use the Whip and Tongue graft, but if I’m grafting to an established apple tree then I will use any of the following; Whip & Tongue, Bark, and Cleft. A rule of thumb is; if the branch diameter is the size of a #2 pencil use a Whip & Tongue graft, if the branch diameter is the size of a nickel to a half dollar use the Cleft graft, and anything larger use the Bark graft.

Using The Cleft Graft

To make a Cleft Graft you make a cut across the branch. Now this type of graft is the most damaging or stressful, but it does work and will heal if the Cambium layers are touching and you have a tight seal around your graft, allowing no air or moisture to get in.