HelpfulGardener.com

Hi Everyone,

Inspired by [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3544]Norm's Chinese Elm thread[/url], I figured I might try my own thread graft project. I chose to use my homely little Fukien Tea as the subject (read: victim). I was originally going to start with a root thread graft--but that required rooting some cuttings (which I did, but they're not quite ready yet). Below are some images of the thread graft of a new branch I did:

Front:
[url=https://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2049245194&size=o][img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2049245194_5a7c19ff23.jpg[/img][/url]
Back:
[url=https://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2049245218&size=o][img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/2049245218_8ccc0f2dcc.jpg[/img][/url]
Closeup:
[url=https://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2049245204&size=o][img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2356/2049245204_da10d63358.jpg[/img][/url]

It looks like it might actually take despite the extreme curvature of the graft branch (leaves growing back and looks pretty healthy). Now I'll just let it grow for a season...

Next is to thread graft in some roots once my cuttings mature. The nebari on this guy is funky to say the least (nearly non-existant and damn ugly is probably a better discription--mostly due to the carved out section in the front from a [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5587]bug/rot infestation last year[/url]. The thing is basically a long taproot with some chunks carved out....yuck). Then after I have some decent looking surface roots, I'll probably do a trunk chop right above the new branch (anyone know how well Fukien Teas respond to chops??) . Theres a noticeable reverse-taper on the upper third of the tree that a nice chop would get rid of

-Jeff

Jeff,

Good job with the thread graft. It feels good to learn a new technique doesn't it? You certainly have an ambitious agenda with this one. How long ago did you perform the graft? I am curious about one other thing. If you wanted this branch to be a new leader would it not have been better to orient it a little steeper/more vertically?

One thing I did with mine was after I was sure of the new growth on the exit side was to remove all growth on the entry side. I don't have anything to compare it against but I feel that this helped to ensure good growth on the exit side where it was most important

Good luck and make sure to post pictures of your progress.

Norm

Hi Norm,

I performed the graft about three weeks ago. As far as the chop and a new leader goes, I was hoping something might sprout up after the chop--but now that I think of it thats probably a poor bet to make. With the thread graft that I did, I had always planned that to be a lateral branch and not a new leader.... Would you recommend another thread graft, one pointing straight up?

Also, I've read that Fukien Teas scar pretty badly and generally never fully-heal so could there be some other solution to the reverse taper? Maybe taking a dremel to it and just hollowing a portion out (but somehow make it look natural and intentional)

PS. I've defoliated the entry side to promote growth on the exit side of the graft as you suggested

Jeff,

Also, I've read that Fukien Teas scar pretty badly and generally never fully-heal so could there be some other solution to the reverse taper?

Sorry, other than Ficus and Crassulas, I primarily grow temperate trees so I can't speak to that issue.

One idea though to consider, the more foliage that a trunk/branch supports the faster it will thicken. Utilizing this concept, you may be able to allow new shoots (or make some thread grafts below the area of reverse taper) and allow them to grow out for a few years. These "sacrifice branches" should serve to thicken the trunk below the new growth. They can be removed later if necessary.

Norm

Decided to make a virt of my 2.5 year plan

[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/2054060640_2f898838e1_m.jpg[/img]

Any thoughts?

Jeff,

It's good that you have a plan, something that I have to work on for some of my trees. Don't forget to provide for a back branch or you will end up with a two dimensional tree.

Norm

looks great well done!!!