Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 19th June 2025, 9:29 am

Hi @nocluewhatimdoing

Firsatly, great username. We are all about comedy here at Garden Ninja and I'm sure now you're part of the group that username will be incorrect in no time!

It would be helpful if you can upload some pics for me to see.

If you mean the graft (at the top of the stem) then if its come loose or broken then this will impact the plant health and may mean its a gonna, it depends how bad it is, hence the pics would be useful. Let me give a bit more info to help other Ninjas whilst I awai the pictures.

Why Tree Grafts are Necessary

A tree graft is a horticultural technique where the tissues of one plant (called the scion) are joined to another plant (the rootstock) so that they grow together as a single tree. The scion is typically a cutting from a tree with desirable traits, such as tasty fruit or beautiful flowers, while the rootstock is chosen for its hardiness, disease resistance, or ability to control the tree’s size. Once the graft heals and the vascular tissues connect, the scion continues to grow using the rootstock’s established root system.

https://youtu.be/6Z0sK5x_2zs

Grafting is used for several important reasons. It allows growers to reproduce trees with exact genetic characteristics, which is essential for maintaining fruit quality and consistency in orchards. It also enables the combination of different strengths from two plants—such as pairing a delicate but productive scion with a robust and disease-resistant rootstock. Additionally, grafting can speed up fruiting time, repair damaged trees, and allow for the creation of multi-variety or ornamental trees.

Poorly grafted trees can suffer from a wide range of long-term problems that affect their health, growth, and productivity. Below are the key issues associated with poor grafting:

1. Weak Graft Union

When a graft isn’t properly aligned or secured, the union between the rootstock and scion remains structurally weak. This can result in:

• Reduced nutrient and water flow.

• A tendency to break or snap in high winds or under the weight of fruit.

• Lifespan reduction due to mechanical instability.

2. Graft Incompatibility

Sometimes, even if the graft appears successful early on, the rootstock and scion may be genetically or physiologically incompatible. This can cause:

• Stunted growth.

• Bark splitting at the union.

• Delayed failure several years after planting.

3. Poor Vascular Connection

If the cambial layers of the rootstock and scion were not properly aligned during grafting, the vascular tissues may not connect well, leading to:

• Restricted transport of water, nutrients, and sugars.

• Dieback in the scion.

• Overall weak or uneven growth.

4. Suckering from Rootstock

Improper grafting may encourage the rootstock to produce vigorous shoots (suckers) from below the graft, which:

• Compete with the scion for resources.

• Can eventually overtake or weaken the desired variety.

• Often do not produce desirable fruit or flowers.

5. Disease Entry at Graft Site

A poorly sealed graft is an open invitation for pests, bacteria, and fungi. This can lead to:

• Cankers, rots, or infections at the union.

• Graft failure due to decay.

• Entry points for viruses that are often difficult to control once established.

6. Abnormal Growth or Swelling

Improper grafts may result in unsightly swelling, cracking, or distortion at the union. This is not just cosmetic—it can lead to:

• Weakness in the trunk.

• Decreased vigour.

• A site is vulnerable to environmental stress or mechanical damage.

Do send a picture and I can say for sure.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja

Quote from NoClueWhatImDoing on 19th June 2025, 10:46 pm

Hi Lee, 

thank you for your detailed response and your optimism that I’ll one day have a green toe because I’ll never be green fingered haha! 

I’ve uploaded the two grafts I mentioned above so fingers crossed these show for you:

Thanks adam

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 22nd June 2025, 5:04 pm

Hi @nocluewhatimdoing

Thanks for these Adam, whats strange is how much wax they've used on these grafts. Usually the wax just seals the base of the graft but they've waxed the entire stem too!

The first graft looks fine, but the second branch looks dead, I'd just see how it gets on once it's had another season or two of growth.

The graft wound doesn't look the best or well healed tbh on the second image, that one may struggle. In fact, looking at the graft, which is gaping, this probably won't survive winter.

Sadly, this is the problem with quick grafting of young trees on bulk, which a lot of the suppliers do, but Salix is quite a hardy specimen. So do keep us posted on how they do.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja