Bridge Grafting

[Treezybreez]

I have been contemplating bridge grafting for some time, especially since it can be the only way to save a girdled tree. Lately I keep stumbling upon trees that I think might benefit from a few bridge grafts.

Recently I performed my first bridge grafts in an Oak that had some damage on the trunk. My hope is that the grafts will correct the "ram's horn" effect. It has been over a month and the grafts are still green. Do any of you graft to repair damaged trees? If so please share what worked and didn't and maybe even some pics.

Here is the link: Bridge Grafts

 

[boreality]

My instructor in college had some bridge grafting stories. I'm not sure I understand your application. Isn't it usually used to bring energy from a healthy root past a wound to the cambium above the wound.

Your oak has equal amounts of vitality in all that wound wood so I don't think those grafts are going to do any good. But whatever looks like fun, good luck. I got to do three grafts in propagation class and I thought it was the coolest thing ever when they took.

 

[Treezybreez]

Hey thanks for responding Bevin,

Some times when a wound is large the tree can't compartmentalize the area before decay sets in. With this tree there is a cavity that the wound wood began to grow into. By grafting I hope to speed up the wound closure and direct it's growth across the cavity.

It is also giving me a chance to practice. I intend to check up on the grafts periodically to see what happens.

Of course you are right it is fun. This may be the start of Frankenstein #2.

 

[nuthin_special]

This is new to me and I'm really interested to see how it goes. I did a google search on bridge grafting and found many many diagrams and drawing of how it should work but very few images of trees where it has worked.

I think that it could be a great tool for strengthening wood growth over cavities.

I've seen a few trees with crossing branches that have grafted together higher in a crown where it actually reinforced an included bark connection. Just like a natural wood cable. Sure not as strong as steel but maybe there is an application there.

good luck, keep us posted.

v

 

[Treezybreez]

I will keep you posted Vince.

I have thought about trying to graft two co-dominate stems together for strength purposes. The difficult thing would be holding the two sides of the union together long enough for the graft to take and generate enough wood.

By the way I used a combination of Pine pitch and Elmer's glue to seal off the grafts. I have used strait Pine pitch before with success to graft a Persian Lime onto an Orange. The owner of the Oak reported to me that the night after I grafted, it rained and washed the glue out. The thing that amazed me when I went back to check it out was that the pine pitch was smooth as glass. It looks very different from the picture.

Bridge grafting is a little more difficult for me than conventional tongue and whip or cleft grafts. The reason for this is that you have at least two sides to line up the cambium and you have to get it done fast or the scion will dry out.