Grafting while standing on my head?.... no, just kidding
I have a Scotch Pine that needs some grafts to provide future branches on the main trunk which is 2-3" thick. The branches will eventually need a slight downward sweep to provide appearance of age. Once the branch has calloused for several years it would be safe to begin to wire the new branch with a downward sweep. I had some thoughts and questions about an alternative grafting orientation. Maybe I'm just making things too complicated
I would like advice on a possible variation of the side-veneer graft that would allow for a downward sweep of the new branch right from the start.
Normal side-veneer grafts are cut downward so that the flap opens upward. Could the cut on the trunk be cut upward so that it opens downward (see 1st pic)? OR could the cut be sideways on the trunk to give a horizontal start? (2nd pic) I wondered if anyone knows of any plant physiology reason why this WON'T work. Also, has anyone successfully pulled this off?
Thanks,
Eric

I have a Scotch Pine that needs some grafts to provide future branches on the main trunk which is 2-3" thick. The branches will eventually need a slight downward sweep to provide appearance of age. Once the branch has calloused for several years it would be safe to begin to wire the new branch with a downward sweep. I had some thoughts and questions about an alternative grafting orientation. Maybe I'm just making things too complicated

I would like advice on a possible variation of the side-veneer graft that would allow for a downward sweep of the new branch right from the start.
Normal side-veneer grafts are cut downward so that the flap opens upward. Could the cut on the trunk be cut upward so that it opens downward (see 1st pic)? OR could the cut be sideways on the trunk to give a horizontal start? (2nd pic) I wondered if anyone knows of any plant physiology reason why this WON'T work. Also, has anyone successfully pulled this off?
Thanks,
Eric