grafting problem

Is there a way to correct a gtaft that allowed root stock to outgrow the grafted limb? I recently discovered that a Japanese Maple (Shirasawarum Autumn Moon) I bought 4 years ago as a young plant in a one gallon container has only one "true" branch near the base. The rest of the plant is a more ordinary Acer palmatum, which is now three feet tall, while the Autumn Moon branch is only about a foot long. Is there a way to salvage this by pruning the root stock back?

Reply to
dougandginny
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Yes, gradually prune the branches of the root stock, which will encourage the tree to send energy to the scion. You could also take some scion from this true branch and graft it to the root stock at a suitable height. Once it takes, that can become the new leader and you can trim off the remaining top growth and the original scion. You want your graft, or transition point to be high enough off the ground, so that the base has no opportunity to start growing new branches. You also don't want your scion or true branch as you call it, too close to the ground where it might establish it's own root system, defeating the purpose of the grafted tree.

Sherw> Is there a way to correct a gtaft that allowed root stock to outgrow > the grafted limb?

Reply to
sherwindu

Reply to
dougandginny

This situation is not uncommon for any grafted plant. The solution, as Sherwin described, is to prune off the growth from the rootstock. I would suggest removing about 1/2 of the A.palmatum immediately. Just pick enough branches to reduce the leaf area by 1/2. Try to prune branches that may be shading the A.shirwasawanum. Next spring when you are sure the A.shirwasawanum has survived prune off the remaining A.palmatum.

I have to disagree with Sherwin about preventing the scion from producing its own roots. For this type of plant it does not matter. For some things, dwarf fruit trees for example, the dwarfing is produced by the rootstock. If the scion roots the dwarfing influence is lost and the tree will develop into a full sided adult instead of a dwarf. For your plant the rootstock is nothing but a root system. If the scion also roots you just have more roots, a good thing.

--beeky

sherw> Yes, gradually prune the branches of the root stock, which will encourage the > tree

Reply to
beeky

Many thanks, beeky, for your kind contribution!

Reply to
dougandginny

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