Are these thread grafts failing?

[Tbrshou]

Performed 2 thread grafts on a American hornbeam in February. The swelling at the trunk seemd a bit extreme, and I can't tell if the grafts have taken. Any ideas? Are they ready to separate already? Most of my grafts I keep for 1.5 - 2 years before separating.

 

[SeanS]

Performed 2 thread grafts on an American hornbeam in February. The swelling at the trunk seemd a bit extreme, and I can't tell if the grafts have taken. Any ideas? Are they ready to separate already? Most of my grafts I keep for 1.5 - 2 years before separating.

I can’t speak to grafting hornbeams as I don’t have any, but it doesn’t look like the grafted shoot’s callous is merging with the trunk. Looks like the grafted shoot is just thickening and swelling outside of the exit hole but not actually merging with the trunk

 

[Tbrshou]

I can’t speak to grafting hornbeams as I don’t have any, but it doesn’t look like the grafted shoot’s callous is merging with the trunk. Looks like the grafted shoot is just thickening and swelling outside of the exit hole but not actually merging with the trunk

That's exactly what I thought I was seeing. I even moved it a little and there's a slight gap between the graft and the trunk.

 

[RJG2]

It almost looks like there's a ring of die-back on the main trunk in the first picture.

 

[Tbrshou]

It almost looks like there's a ring of die-back on the main trunk in the first picture.

So I'm about 90% sure that ring came from the cut paste I placed around the graft exit area. U know what im actually gonna go out now and score the area and check for live tissue. Thanks for noticing that!!!

 

[Tbrshou]

So I'm about 90% sure that ring came from the cut paste I placed around the graft exit area. U know what im actually gonna go out now and score the area and check for live tissue. Thanks for noticing that!!!

It almost looks like there's a ring of die-back on the main trunk in the first picture.

Well we have green tissue, and of course the watering system kicked on as soon as I scratched the trunk

 

[Shibui]

Those grafts look promising. If they have not yet grafted to the trunk the swelling callus must be close to uniting. Always leave it a bit longer if you are doubtful. Cutting too early wastes a whole year. Leaving a few more weeks does not cost anything.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

They look good to me. Just a little early to separate.

 

[Tbrshou]

Those grafts look promising. If they have not yet grafted to the trunk the swelling callus must be close to uniting. Always leave it a bit longer if you are doubtful. Cutting too early wastes a whole year. Leaving a few more weeks does not cost anything.

Ok there's some good news!!!! I hope so, would hate to not have these grafts not take.

 

[Tbrshou]

They look good to me. Just a little early to separate

That's 2 reassuring replies more than enough to keep me from worrying. Thanks all!!!

 

[David P]

If your thread grafts are thicker on the exit side then they are probably fused already. You should be good.