Juniper Branch Grafting

[Daniel.K]

I'm thinking of redesigning one of the junipers, two branches in particular.
Just with to ask what are the chances of the branch grafting and what would be the proper course of action
(before I make a mistake and won't be able to fix it)

I was thinking of cutting the crossing branch off but it would make ideal back branch. its very easy to bend it and if successful, graft it to the trunk.

[lackhand]

I've never grafted . . . well, anything actually . . .

BUT, I know junipers can be grafted. It's quite common to graft the more desirable foliage types onto other juniper varieties. As for technique, I'm no help there.

[shibui]

Hi Daniel
You can graft your juniper and you have several choices of how to do it.
The easiest way is approach grafting. If you can bend a branch to where you want it you just cut a patch of bark off the trunk in the spot you want the new branch and cut a similar sized patch of bark off the branch then hold them close together until the wounds heal up (bind it up with grafting tape or put a nail right through the branch and into the trunk to hold it securely together then seal the area with grafting wax or wound sealer). Usually as the wounds heal they will unite together and you can eventually cut the branch below the new graft. Obviously with approach graft both parts are still connected to roots and will stay alive and grow until they have joined up, no matter how long it takes.

The other method relies on a bit more technique but will usually produce a neater and often quicker job. You need to make a slice downward into the trunk - right through the bark and into the wood below. Then cut a piece of branch to graft on and cut the base into a wedge which can slide into the cut you made in the trunk. The tricky bit is having the cambium (thin green layer between the bark and wood) of the scion (bit being grafted on) actually touching the cambium of the rootstock (trunk where you are grafting on to) so that they will join up quickly before the scion dries out and dies. To help keep the scion alive a bit longer I put a small ziplock bag over the scion and zip it up around the stem as close as I can. The plastic bag will hold moisture around the leaves of the scion so it does not dry out for a few weeks.

You should be able to find photos or illustrations or video of these techniques if you search online. Good luck.

[trident76]

Whooa. Slow down there sonny. If the object of grafting in this case is to reposition a branch, and that branch as you tell us is quite flexible, then just go ahead and wire that branch into the position you desire.