Hi All I have a some apple tree clippings from a family favorite 'wild' apple tree that has recently been mowed over to make way for new houses (darn that urban sprawl!). The tree was pushed over about a month ago and I tried to root some young clippings using a gel rooting hormone but met with little success. I am new to this sort of thing and am sure this probably not the best time to do it but I want to at least try to preserve this little piece of history. Does any one have any tips, suggestions or even contacts for a lab to get these clippings growing before its too late? Any help would be much appreciated!! Many thanks!
I think the best way to save the tree's qualities that you like is to graft the twigs onto another tree, aka root-stock that can provide the cuttings with the roots they need. Check out this site: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0532.html It's not easy but you may have fun trying. I would suggest reading through the site (it's smaller than it looks) and then try a graft where the twig is grafted onto the host plants. Once the graft takes and the host tree 'likes' it - you can cut away the original tree and the graft may keep on growing. Another option is to chip graft a bud from the twig onto a root-stock. Chip budding is best done when the tree is dormant but you might still have a chance. If there is new growth from the twigs I don't think it will work well. On the other hand, if there's no sign of life in the buds it probably won't work either. If you're not familiar w/ these techniques perhaps a local garden shop, nursury or food sciences dept of local college/university can refer you to someone who can graft for you. Good Luck!
Agree that grafting scion wood from a desirable tree is the best way to go. I am new to the area and have many heritage apple varieties to propagate. Any suggestions on where to acquire root-stock in the Vancouver area? M26, MM106 and B9 would be most preferred? thanks!
I had heard there was a root-stock supplier called TRAS (sp?) in New Westminster but I think he may have gone out of business. I have heard some growers have resorted to importing r/s from USA but if you ask around nursury's should be able to help locate some. Try looking for suckers from the root-stock of your existing fruit bearing apple trees or 'sweet-talk' a local fruit tree grower.
