The bark graft and the inlay bark graft are types of grafts used for topworking established plants.

Topworking is a technique used in fruit orchards for changing cultivars without having to plant new trees.

Photo of an example of bark grafting showing three scions inserted into a rootstock.

Illustration showing two steps to prepare rootstock for bark grafting. First a vertical cut 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long is made through the bark to the wood. Second the bark on both sides of the cut is slightly separated from the wood.

Illustration showing side, back, and front views of how to prepare a scion for bark grafting. The scion is given a long cut with a shoulder on one side, and a shorter cut on the opposite side. The long cut is placed next to the wood of the rootstock.

Photo showing a side view of a prepared scion.

Illustration showing three scions inserted into a rootstock, and then the cut surfaces with a protective coating applied.

Photo showing four scions inserted into a rootstock with a protective coating applied.

Illustration showing an alternate method for creating a bark grafting rootstock. In step one two parallel, vertical cuts 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in.) long are




Click on the button below to see bark grafting video.