How to Graft a Broken Japanese Maple Branch

Japanese maple trees are small landscape trees that grow best in well-drained soil. The dazzling fall color of the leaves attracts many homeowners to the tree, but it can face damage if planted in the wrong location or in less-than-optimal soil conditions. Japanese maple trees are winter-hardy when plated in an eastern location against buildings to prevent the winter wind from causing damage. When a Japanese maple does face an injury, the problem can be corrected through bridge grafting, which allows propagators to encourage new growth and heal the damaged broken area.

Grafting knife
Scions
Wire brad
Hammer
Grafting paint
Paint brush
Bud knife

Instructions

- 1
  Remove damaged tissue from the Japanese maple with a grafting knife. Carefully slice away the tissue to reveal healthy tree underneath the damaged area. Grafting will not be successful if placed against old or damaged tissue.
- 2
  Choose a scion or bud stick that is straight and twice as long as the damaged area of the Japanese maple tree. Cut a 1 1/2- to 2-inch slice across the end of the scion. Cut each scion at the same angle.
- 3
  Cut a slit into the bark of the Japanese maple tree under the removed tissue. Fold the bark back without tearing it.
- 4
  Insert the scion into the exposed area under the bark with the cut area against the branch of the Japanese maple tree. Fold the bark back over the scion and secure with a wire brad nail. Nail the flap closed, placing the brad through the bark and into the scion.
- 5
  Repeat for each scion, moving around the circumference of the branch. Place a scion every 3 to 4 inches.
- 6
  Seal the grafting area, painting the entire area with grafting paint.
- 7
  Snip away new growth from the scions with a bud knife, both while the injury is still healing and after it has healed.

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