Tying and wrapping materials must hold the graft partners together until the union forms.

Some materials need to be tied while others are self adhesive.

In some cases the tying material also prevents the union from drying.

Photo showing an example of tying and wrapping materials on a graft.

Tying materials include:

  • Budding rubbers
  • Waxed string
  • Polyethylene tape
  • Parafilm
  • Nursery tape
  • Grafting clips

Photo showing an example of tying materials securing a graft.

Tied grafts must be waxed or placed under high humidity. Tying materials must be removed after graft heals.

Photo showing an example of budding rubbers securing a graft.

Budding rubbers

Photo showing an example of waxed string securing a graft.

Waxed string

It is common to tie each with a slip knot that allows the grafter to easily remove these materials before they girdle the graft.

Illustration showing how a slip knot is tied onto a graft.

Photo showing a graft tied with a slip knot.

There are elastic materials that wrap around a graft. Polyethylene tape grafts must be waxed, while parafilm is water tight and needs no waxing.

Photo showing polyethylene tape with wax securing a graft.

Polyethylene tape

Photo showing a graft secured using parafilm tape.

Parafilm tape

Photo of a graft secured using parafilm tape.

Parafilm tape

Nursery tape is self-adhering and used for root grafting.

If placed under the soil it will decompose and does not need to be removed.

Photo showing a graft being secured using nursery adhesive tape.

Nursery adhesive tape

Grafting clips are a quick way to secure splice grafts.

Commonly used for vegetable grafting.

Photo showing a vegetable splice graft secured using grafting clips.

Photo of a splice graft secured with a plastic grafting clip.

Plastic clips




Click on the button below to see tying video 1 video.




Click on the button below to see tying video 2 video.