How to use a grafting pruner

A beautiful and blooming garden requires an investment of time and effort. One of the mandatory care manipulations is tree grafting. For its high-quality implementation, a special tool is used - pruner. The process itself is simple.

Features of using pruning shears for grafting trees

Before you learn how to use a tool, you need to get a little familiar with its structure and operating principle. Secateurs usually have two blades. One of them is supporting, the other is working. The tool is also equipped with a handle, spring and lock.

The cut is performed with a working blade, which has a high cutting ability. The supporting part has a curved configuration to reduce friction and make the process safer.

Fixation and reliable fit of the blades is ensured by a bolt and nut. A buffer is designed to limit the stroke, and the existing spring brings the tool to its original position.

The operation of the device in question is as follows:

• Mirror sections are made on the scion and rootstock - outward and inward, respectively;
• after making the cut - before removing the barrel - it is necessary to completely open the device so that the knife comes out, otherwise it can be broken;
• Now the parts of the plant are combined - you need to make sure that there is no separation of the bark;
• then the unnecessary section of the scion above the bud is cut off;
• the junction is wrapped with several turns of grafting tape - you need to do this “tightly”, then the rootstock will tightly grasp the scion;
• unnecessary branches on the rootstock are removed;
• open areas of cuts are treated with garden varnish, which protects against moisture loss.

The survival rate can be checked after about 20 days. If the scion has dried out or rotted, then the grafting has failed. We need to remove it, clear the place. Another attempt on this branch should be made only in the next season.

Tips for extending the life of your pruning shears

In order for the tool to be used for a long time and without problems, it is necessary to properly care for it. Rules that are recommended to be followed:

1. After each use, remove plant debris from the blade.
2. The device should not be washed. This will dull the blades.
3. Particular attention should be paid to the spring with a fixation bracket. It should be wiped with a dry cloth and then treated with oil or astringent. All these manipulations must be carried out after each use.
4. The blade should be sharpened periodically to prevent branches from being damaged by knives.

When is the best time to vaccinate?

There are several seasons for work. The most optimal period is April–May. The temperature should be consistently above zero at night and about +10 degrees during the day.

It is good to perform manipulations closer to mid-July. Over the summer, the scion manages to take root, but growth does not begin until spring.

Experts believe that this can be done in August-September. About a month before the onset of stable sub-zero temperatures. Vaccination at this time is best carried out in the central and southern regions. In the northern regions there will be no time left for the scion to take root.

From February to April is the period for grafting seedlings before their subsequent planting. They need to be stored indoors to avoid freezing. In winter, vaccination should only be carried out by experienced gardeners if mass planting of trees is planned.