Grafted Plum tree - first chop

Pixar

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Where do i chop my first grafted Plum tree - somewhere above the graft ?
 

Pixar

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Approximate height 6 feet ( some branches ) grafting about 1.5 feet from the root system
 

Shibui

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Depends what you want from your tree.
I suspect it is obvious that cutting below the graft will leave you only with the root stock (probably myrobolan plum) but maybe only obvious to those with some plant experience?
Cutting above the graft will usually give new shoots from the grafted variety. You may also get new shoots growing below the graft. Those will be root stock variety and can overtake the grafted section so best to rub off shoots growing below the graft as soon as possible.
1.5 ft above roots is typical for fruit trees but obviously not so good for bonsai. You could layer just below the graft to get new roots and bring the graft closer to the roots and therefore less obvious.
 

Leo in N E Illinois

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Air layers. Somewhere fairly high up the trunk, or even just a branch. Most plums will produce roots, you do not need part of the understock as part of your air layer. You can create multiple trees this way.
 

Pixar

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Got the Plum tree today , I'll try and air layers below the graft ( it's very low to the root system )
The last time i did an air layer it did not work ( it was a Curry leaf tree ) don't know what I did wrong maybe I didn't go deep enough with my cutting down to the cadbuim layer
 

RJG2

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Got the Plum tree today , I'll try and air layers below the graft ( it's very low to the root system )
The last time i did an air layer it did not work ( it was a Curry leaf tree ) don't know what I did wrong maybe I didn't go deep enough with my cutting down to the cadbuim layer
I wouldn't go below the graft. Do you first one (or more) up high.

Post a picture and we can make suggestions.
 

Pixar

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RJG2

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Looks like you have three good trunks. If it were me, I would do three air layers - one towards the top of each trunk.

After those are separated, you should get more branching lower, and can do more air layers next year - working your way down.

There isn't a huge difference in trunk diameter between the top and bottom, so I don't think it would be worth it to layer down low and chop - you'd lose a lot of material (and practice).

Now is probably a good time for you in the southern hemisphere.

Can't really see the third trunk, but something like this:

iMarkup_20221121_200117.jpg
 

Pixar

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OK ,thanks very much . I'll stick to what you have suggested
I think I'll try and add some movement into the bottom trunk
 

Shibui

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Your graft is really low. That's the bulge and kink just above soil level. Anything above that point is the grafted variety. The first fork is just where the original single trunk was chopped to make it branch out.
A trunk chop (before or after layering) will give you taper as well as a bend in the trunk as the new shoot grows in a different direction.
Agree with @Leo in N E Illinois that plums generally root well so you can layer anywhere. Cuttings strike pretty easily too.
Layering just under the fork will give a trunk with taper and bends or a twin or triple trunk tree.
 

Pixar

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Thank you that’s what I was thinking . I’ll air layer just below the fork hopefully it will take etc….
 
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