Weening Thread Graft

[dbonsaiw]

Anyone have pics showing the entry side of a branch graft being gradual shaved down? Also, what did you use for the process- exacto knife?

 

[SeanS]

I use a sharp thing; sometimes a knife, sometimes one side of my scissors, my fingernails, I’ve even used a sharp stone or piece of off-cut wire for trees in my grow beds

 

[dbonsaiw]

I use a sharp thing; sometimes a knife, sometimes one side of my scissors, my fingernails, I’ve even used a sharp stone or piece of off-cut wire for trees in my grow beds

Many thanks. So the cuts are made somewhat away from the connection. I assume you come back later in the season and cut it flush to the trunk?

 

[SeanS]

Many thanks. So the cuts are made somewhat away from the connection. I assume you come back later in the season and cut it flush to the trunk?

I’m sure you could make it super close up to the entry point, I’ve always done it slightly away and cut it off later.
Don’t over think it

 

[dbonsaiw]

I’m sure you could make it super close up to the entry point, I’ve always done it slightly away and cut it off later.

I actually thought it was supposed to be cut like removing a big branch ebihara style and couldn't figure out how to cut off a piece of the tiny branch so close to the entry without lopping off the whole thing. Taking little pieces off somewhat away from the entry seems a whole lot easier.

 

[SeanS]

I actually thought it was supposed to be cut like removing a big branch ebihara style and couldn't figure out how to cut off a piece of the tiny branch so close to the entry without lopping off the whole thing. Taking little pieces off somewhat away from the entry seems a whole lot easier.

Ebihara method is intended to start the healing process on a big branch you’re cutting off and to reduce the chance of die back on the remaining trunk. The entry side of a graft is so small the trunk doesn’t even know about it, the weening process is only to ensure that the graft is taking resources from the trunk on the exit side before you severe it (replace trunk with branch in the previous statement if you’re grafting through a branch)

 

[dbonsaiw]

Ebihara method is intended to start the healing process on a big branch you’re cutting off and to reduce the chance of die back on the remaining trunk. The entry side of a graft is so small the trunk doesn’t even know about it, the weening process is only to ensure that the graft is taking resources from the trunk on the exit side before you severe it (replace trunk with branch in the previous statement if you’re grafting through a branch)

Many thanks. I will let them swell a little more and then start the process.

 

[SeanS]

I kid you not, I used a small sharp stone and a piece of 3mm wire with a sharp, angled end that was lying around to slowly whittle this Ume approach graft down over the course of a few months before separating it. The graft is looking amazing and is covered in flower buds 8 weeks later



The graft this weekend (screenshots from an IG story so not the best quality)

 

[Shibui]

I usually have trimming scissors with me. Just scrape part of the stem with the scissor blade. Anything will do the job of interrupting some of the sap flow.
As @SeanS says - don't get confused by overthinking.

 

[dbonsaiw]

I gave it a go. Used a small kitchen knife, btw.

 

[dbonsaiw]

Chiseled further. Not sure I can go any further with the kitchen knife without snapping the branches. At this point I’ll give it two weeks or so and then just sever at the trunk connection.

 

[SeanS]

You can also cut some of what’s left “sideways”, meaning not on the same plan as you’ve been carving it so far.

 

[leatherback]

Used a small kitchen knife

Ohw Noooo!

 

[dbonsaiw]

Are we there yet?

 

[SeanS]

It’ll snap the next time you try whittle it down, then it’s done

 

[dbonsaiw]

It’ll snap the next time you try whittle it down, then it’s done

Do I then just cut the entry flush to the trunk?

 

[leatherback]

You could as long as you are aware how weak the new connection is. It might be prudent to leave it in place a little longer.

 

[dbonsaiw]

You could as long as you are aware how weak the new connection is. It might be prudent to leave it in place a little longer.

That works. I can leave them on for many more weeks (although they look pretty attached to me - but why risk it). But when it's time to cut it, I do it flush right?

 

[leatherback]

That works. I can leave them on for many more weeks (although they look pretty attached to me - but why risk it). But when it's time to cut it, I do it flush right?

yes, in the end you need the tree to heal over

 

[dbonsaiw]

Bottom graft was literally hanging by a thread and I snapped it when I checked on it ("is this broken - well it is now"). Been a few days and no change in the graft. Seems to have taken (yay). The new leader graft is still on and I'll give it some more time (although it looks fine to me).