Self Help

Continue reading to learn more about how to graft fruit trees

Tree grafting is a simple procedure that is popular among many homeowners. A piece of an existing tree (a scion) is connected to a part of another tree (receptive rootstock). When the combined components grow, it forms a new tree.

Grafting helps to combine the properties of two trees into one and is more commonly performed for flowering and fruit trees. While grafting isn’t supposed to produce exotic fruits and flowers, it is nevertheless beneficial to the overall health of a garden. This guide will explain how beginners can graft trees in the comfort of their homes.

Gather The Necessary Tools

• Before starting the grafting project, it is imperative to have the right tools. To graft apple trees, an apple rootstock will be required. Similarly, to graft pear trees, a pear rootstock will be needed. Persimmon and cherry trees can be grafted as well. For excellent results, make sure the rootstock is suited to your local climate and region. An extension agent might help you with this.

To cut the scion, sharp shears or any cutting tool in excellent condition will be required. If it is difficult to get a tool in the right shape, you can contact a professional tree pruning service. They can cut the scions in a professional manner. In addition, grafting tape, crafting knives, and grafting sealant will be required.

Select The Right Tree

• Selecting the right tree for grafting is of paramount importance. To know which tree will grow well in your region, help can be taken from the plantation department. You should know if any tree pests are found in your area as they pose a threat to your selected tree.

You can also search online and read up on other people’s grafting experiences in your locality. Some trees are easier to graft than others. Therefore, it will take a couple of grafts before you can complete the entire process smoothly. If you have an open garden, a grafted fruit tree will attract a lot of wildlife such as deers.

Preparing For Grafting

• Tree grafting is only successful if it is performed at the right time. Therefore, it is important to plan for the grafting project. Fruit trees are best grafted from late winters to early summers.

It is essential to have the rootstock at hand, and an already cut scion. The scion should be cut before the sap rises and buds begin to emerge.

• Don’t collect water sprouts that grow from the base of the tree. Instead, hard branches should be collected that have around four to six buds and are 10 – 12 inches long. The scion should have the same width as the rootstock.

To cut the scion, use a sharpened tool. Make clean cuts and place the scion in water to avoid it from drying out. A dried-out scion leads to poor grafting, which in most cases leads to the scion dying out.

Modified Cleft Graft

• The first type of graft is called a modified cleft graft. The outer layer of scion and rootstock is known as the cambium layer. This layer is responsible for transporting nutrients and water across the tree.

The union in grafting will occur within this layer. To ensure a successful graft, the cambium of scion and rootstock must be in contact with each other.

• Cut the rootstock about three inches from the ground line. Split the rootstock down the middle by about one and a half inches. Make a wedge in the scion that is equal to the wedge in the rootstock.

Insert the scion wedge in the rootstock. It is important not to rush this step and make sure the two layers touch each other. Use grafting tape and sealant to make sure the union is complete.

• Tree grafting might seem like a daunting task for beginners. We, at American Tree Experts Inc, can help you with your project. We offer a variety of tree pruning and nutrient management services. Contact us today at 973-774-6091 and get your quote now!

Read on to learn about the trees that require a lot of water – Which trees can thrive in the climate of Montclair, New Jersey?

If you are located in an area that receives a lot of rainfall, then don’t let this predicament discourage you from planting trees in your garden. Read more below to learn about the five most water-intensive trees that can add to the beauty of your garden.

Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

• The Atlantic white cedar is native to the East Coast of the USA. It is a famous wetland tree that grows excellent in moist soil. This tree is particularly found in areas where water has penetrated deep into the soil, eliminating any air pockets.

This tree has a very long life, over a few centuries. Because of its extensive root system and adaptation to wet soil, it is known to act as a water purifier. It regulates the flow of nutrients in the soil. Its roots are usually shallow, but if the soil is aerated then they will grow deeper thus forming a strong foundation for the tree.

Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

• The Black gum tree is native to USA and Mexico. It is a famous ornamental tree due to its beautiful autumn foliage. It is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of about 50 meters when it is fully matured. It requires slightly acidic and highly moist soil to grow properly.

Most homeowners tend to grow Black gum trees as a group. If properly maintained by a professional tree pruning service, they can look stunning. Its leaves are dark green during the spring and summer. They change their color to a mixture of red, yellow, purple, and orange during the autumn season.

Red maple (Acer rubrum)

• The Red maple tree is native to the eastern USA. It is a fast-growing deciduous tree. It is loved by homeowners because of its bright red leaves in the autumn season. Its red flowers start to grow once the tree is at least eight years old. This tree can grow to a height of 120 meters when it reaches full maturity.

Due to fewer branches growing at its trunk, it forms a beautiful crown shape which is ideal for shade in the summers. It is a highly water-intensive tree, that grows best in moist soil. One tree absorbs about five gallons of water each week.

River birch (Betula nigra)

• The River birch is native to the eastern USA and is recognizable due to its peeling bark. When the tree is young, its bark is smooth. As it matures, the bark turns flaky and starts peeling off. When this tree is fully matured, it blooms to produce catkins. If you have a pollen allergy then this tree is not ideal for your home.

This tree lives for about 70 years and is fast growing. It can reach a height of 80 meters when fully matured. It is known as a River birch because its roots are adapted to survive a stream bank. If there is poor soil drainage in your garden, then this tree is the best for you to grow.

Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

• The red elderberry is native to Asia, Europe, and the USA. It is a tree shrub that produces small fruits. These trees attract a lot of birds and small wildlife. It is a fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 12 meters when fully matured. It is often planted for its beautiful flowers and its attractive appearance.

This tree requires a lot of water to grow properly. It requires moist soil as well as humid conditions. If you have a rain garden, then this tree will add to the beauty of your garden.

• If you are worried about pruning a tree without damaging it permanently, then contact American Tree Experts Inc today. We are a highly qualified team of tree cutting and pruning professionals based in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us today at 973-774-6091 for a free quote.

Learn proven ways to prevent diseases in trees and keep them healthy

Making sure plants are protected from diseases is the main worry for every gardener or farmer. To most people, plants are like children and they take caring for them very seriously. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the type of diseases common in your area and how to best tackle them if the onset occurs. However, since prevention is key, we will look at some more ways to prevent diseases in plants.

Top Ways To Prevent Diseases in Plants

Some more ways to prevent diseases in plants are as follows:

Know Your Seasons and Their Requirements

• Being mindful of the seasons is very important if you’re going to keep your plants free of diseases. Many disease-causing pests lay their eggs during the winter and they hatch in the spring.

Springtime maintenance is very important for plants and can make a big difference in their health and immunity. Similarly, as seasons change you should know when to trim your plant’s branches and leaves for better growth and flower production etc.

Balance The Garden Soil

• The soil of your garden plays a big role in determining the nutrients that your plant uses for its growth. A lack of certain nutrients like Nitrogen, Magnesium, Potassium, etc, can cause various diseases.

You also need to make sure the soil is neither too acidic nor too basic. Depending on the type of plants you are growing and the area you live in, you can control soil conditions such as acidity and salinity.

Choose The Right Plants

• Choosing the right plants for your garden is also very important towards ensuring they do not get infected with diseases. Some plants easily catch diseases and can transfer them to others.

In other cases, some plants strip the soil of its nutrients causing neighboring plants to face various issues like excessive yellowing or weak flowers. Therefore always choose the right plants and place complementing varieties with each other.

Find Ways To Compromise

• Sometimes, diseases in plants are inevitable and there is nothing you can do about it. If you try to treat the cause too actively, you may ruin the rest of your plants in the process. So where you can ignore the disease simply because it ‘looks’ different but is causing no real harm to your plant’s health, you should look the other way.

Not only will this be easy on your own conscious but it can prevent you from over-tending your garden and causing distress in the plants.

Do Not Over Water or Mulch

• When you are passionate about caring for your plants and protecting them from diseases, it can be easy to water them too much or add a lot of mulch. The general attitude is ‘more is better. However, many plants have very specific watering requirements and too much water can cause them to rot, especially from the roots.

Extremely moist conditions are the perfect breeding grounds for disease. Therefore whatever you do for your plants, make sure it lies within their needs and you do not go overboard. It will save your plants and garden in the long run.

At American Tree Experts, Inc. we offer the best services to keep your plants out of harm’s way. Our pest management services make sure that your plants are protected against pests and diseases. Our most sought-after services are pruning, bracing, pest management, and nutritional management. We offer services in Montclair, New Jersey. Call us at 973-744-6091 for a free quote.