Question from Joseph Lin: What is the benefit or disadvantage for a lower grafted cherry tree? Reply from Douglas Justice: Typically, a low graft will be used with vigorous, upright cultivars that are easily trained as "standard" trees. Budding, which is the preferred method for low grafting is undertaken in summer on rootstocks that are planted in the field. The low-budded tree has the same bark on the trunk and branches, and the scaffold of branching is not as congested. The graft union is also not as vulnerable to damage or pest attack.