Japanese Maples and Evergreens

Why do We Graft Trees

 

Why do we graft trees?  Why not just grow them from seed or from cuttings?  This is a great question.  One I get all the time.  There are many reasons why we graft trees.  I hope to clarify any questions as to why we graft in this article.

 

One reason we graft is because most seed collected from trees will not come true to type.  For example you may be able to germinate some coral bark maple seedlings from seed collected off a Coral bark maple but the color variations will range from green to different shades of red, or something completely different.  The point is they will not be the same cultivar as the original mother tree.

 

Another reason we graft is to give the tree a healthy and vigorous root system. Many seedlings from cultivated trees have weak root systems and are more susceptible to pests and disease. Grafting creates a vigorous maple that is more resistant to these problems.

 

We also graft because many trees are very difficult or impossible to root from vegetative cuttings.  Most of the time grafting is the only viable option.

 

There are many reasons why grafting is done but the reasons given above are why we do it.  I hope this answers some of your questions as to why we graft.