Scionwood for Apple Trees
- Scion wood from an apple tree is essentially a shoot of a young apple tree. In some cases, cuttings or the ends of small twigs can be used as scion wood. When selecting apple scions, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service recommends the use of shoots from plants grown the previous year.
- The purpose of scion wood when it comes to grafting is to attach the apple scions to the rootstock -- or trunk -- of a different tree. The graft forces the apple scion wood to fuse with the rootstock of the other tree and eventually grow into one complete plant. While this practice may seem strange, it's extremely useful as the roots of apple trees can be weak and susceptible to root rot. Grafting to the rootstock of a tree with a strong root system ultimately creates a strong apple tree.
- Choose scions that are ¼ inch in diameter and appear to be healthy. Each limb of the rootstock needs two different pieces of scion wood. Cut each scion to the same length, preferably between 6 and 8 inches. Cut the bottoms of the scions at a 45-degree angle using sharp, sterilized pruning shears. The shears can be sterilized by soaking them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for five minutes.
- Split the end of a limb on the rootstock straight down the middle using an ax or hatchet. A 2- to 3-inch deep cut is enough for the graft. Keep the two halves of the limb separated with a clefting tool or crowbar, but do not use so much pressure that it cracks the wood. Place a scion on each side of the limb and push them down into the cut. The open cuts of the scions must come in contact with the open cut of the limb. Remove the clefting bar and cover the entire end of the limb with grafting wax, making sure to completely cover any open cuts on the rootstock. Repeat the process on all other limbs of the rootstock.
