Chinese Elm 'Thread Graft'

[tmjudd1]

I want to add a new 'lower' branch to a young Chinese elm, about 9 years old. The diameter of the scion that I want inserted into the trunk is approximately 3/16". The diameter of the trunk, where I wish to do this graft is 1/2" in diameter. Will a 3/16" scion threaded into a 1/2" trunk be safe to attempt?

 

[eb84327]

3/16" is almost half of the diameter of your trunk. the drill bit needs to be bigger than the scion. 1/4" is half the diameter. I think an approach graft would be safer and easier in this case.

 

[bonsaichile]

A trunk of only half an inch in diameter might be too thin to attempt a thread graft safely. You don't want to compromise the structural stability of the trunk. Either grow it out or try an approach graft, as suggested above

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Show a photo of the tree and the spot you want a branch. Chinese elms back bud from the trunk so easily, you can basically get a bud where you want it by scrubbing the trunk with a toothbrush, or nicking the bark. If you wait until is starts growing in the spring, I bet you’d have 5 buds to select from in the vicinity.

 

[Nanuk]

Show a photo of the tree and the spot you want a branch. Chinese elms back bud from the trunk so easily, you can basically get a bud where you want it by scrubbing the trunk with a toothbrush, or nicking the bark. If you wait until is starts growing in the spring, I bet you’d have 5 buds to select from in the vicinity.

That sound easy enough.