How to Graft Weeping Trees

Overview

Weeping trees make an excellent addition to lakeside gardens. Their stunning branches hang low as though ready to touch the water at any moment. Believe it or not, this unique variety of tree is actually a shrub grafted onto the trunk of a tree from the same family. Grafting is the process of combining a branch of one tree with the root system of a different tree to create something entirely new.

Step 1

Cut a 2-inch incision down the center of the trunk of the selected rootstock and place a spade inside to keep the incision open.

Step 2

Cut even, diagonal incisions on both sides of the budstick so the end of the budstick comes to a point. Budsticks should be taken from disease-free shrubs of the desired variety.

Step 3

Insert the budstick into the incision on the rootstock and gently remove the spade.

Step 4

Wrap the entire graft firmly with grafting tape so that it remains in place while healing.

Step 5

Cover the entire graft with grafting wax to hold in moisture and block out diseases.

Step 6

Continue watering the tree while the graft establishes itself. Remove the tape once new growth has developed on the plant.