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Approach grafting is unique because both the rootstock and scion remain atached to their root systems during the grafting process. The scion is usually in a container, which is brought to the rootstock.

This graft is done while both partners are actively growing. It is a graft used when the scion is unique and the propagator does not want to remove it from the stock plant.

It is also used when standard grafts have not been successful.

Illustration showing how approach grafting is done. First step shows scion being bound to rootstock while both plants still in their own containers. Step two shows new scion successfully grafted to rootstock, and now sepparated from original scion plant.

After the graft union forms cut the unwanted rootstock and scion away.

Photo showing three steps to create an approach grafting. In the first step, the scion and rootstock plants are bound together. Step two shows where cuts should be made on both plants once the graft union finishes forming. The scion should be cut from it's root source, while the top of the rootstock should be removed. Step three shows the completed graft with the scion now growing from the rootstock.

Spliced approach graft

Illustration showing the spliced approach method of grafting. With this approach the two plants have had simple cuts made to remove their outer layers to bind the cambium layers to each other.

Tongued approach graft

Illustration showing the tongued approach method of grafting. With this approach the two plants have had tongued cuts made to remove their outer layers to bind the cambium layers to each other, with the tongues inserted into each other.

Inlay approach graft

Illustration showing the inlay approach method of grafting. With this approach the two plants have had inlay cuts made to remove their outer layers to bind the cambium layers to each other. The first plant has a groove cut into it, while the second has a ridge created to fit into the groove.