Topworking
Topworking is the name given to the technique of converting old fruit trees to different varieties. This is sometimes necessary if the existing variety is of inferior quality or a poor cropper. The branches of the tree are cut back to stumps to which scions of a new variety are grafted using either of the following grafting methods.
Crown (or Rind) Graft
Method -
Prepare the tree by cutting away the branch to leave a stump 4 - 6 inches ( 10 - 15cm) long. Make a vertical slit in the bark where the grafts is to go.
The scion should be prepared from well-ripend shoots of the previous years growth. They should have about 4 buds along their length. Make a slanted cut about 1 ½ inches (4cm) long at their base.
Slide the scion into the prepared slit in the stump so that the cut face of the scion is in contact with the wood of the stump. Bind tightly with raffia or grafting tape and paint if preferred.
Cleft Graft
The cleft graft is done in a similar way to the Crown Graft but instead of splicing down the side of the stump of the stock tree, it is split across using a thin chopper. This split is then temporarily held open using a small wedge.
Method -
Two scions are then prepared with shallow tapers on the end. These are then placed in the split, one at each end, so that the cambiums match up. The wedge is then removed allowing the split to close onto the scions and hold them tightly.
Bind with raffia or grafting tape and seal if preferred.
© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen
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