On this Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ I tried two self-grafting methods: approach grafting and thread grafting. I also wired the tree and cut two roots that grew above the nebari within the pot.
Before work:
Approach grafting
I used a modeling hand saw to cut the groove on the trunk that will receive the graft.
I mark the graft location with a marker before cutting the groove.
Using 2 mm aluminum wire I form a staple.
I drill two holes on either sides of the groove.
The bark is remove on the scion where it will meet the cambium of the trunk.
The scion is held into place using the aluminum staple pressed in the truunk.
I cover the graft with healing paste.
Thread-grafting
I mark the exit location of the branch to be grafted. This way the bark will be cut clean on the exit side to enable a faster healing.
I then drill a hole slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the branch to be inserted. Again it is important to drill from the exit side.
We can then thread the branch inside the hole.
I immobilize the graft using freshly cut wood from the same tree.
Both ends of the hole are sealed with healing paste.
I remove buds along the branch that are situated before the grafting location to direct all the energy at the tip.
The Magnolia after wiring.
