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The four-flap graft or banana graft is used in top-working small caliper trees.

The bark is peeled away from the rootstock in four flaps.

It is used on pecans.

Illustration of a four-flap or banana graft rootstock, with top removed and four flaps of bark peeled away from the rootstock.

Photo showing example of rootstock for a four-flap or banana graft.

Both the scion and the rootstock should be of equal diameter. The scion is dormant, while the bark on the rootstock must be slipping.

Illustration showing three steps involved to prepare rootstock for a four-flap graft. In step one, a rootstock with it's top removed has the bark at the top end split into four flaps. In the second step the four flaps are pulled down, with a rubber band wrapped around the stalk below them. In step three, the stalk above where the bark flaps meet is removed.

Photo of a rootstock being prepared for a four-flap or banana graft.

The flaps of the rootstock are pulled over the stripped scion and held in place with a rubber band.

Illustration of a scion being attached to rootstock in a four-flap or banana graft. In step one, the scion is placed atop the rootstock, and the flaps raised onto all sides of it. In step two the rubber band is pulled upward to secure the scion within the four flaps. In step three the graft is now wrapped with tape to further secure and protect the graft.

Photo of a scion showing cuts made on all four sides of the end to be placed atop the rootstock.

Scion

The entire graft is covered with foil to prevent over heating and a poly bag to prevent desiccation.

Illustration showing graft first wrapped in aluminum foil, then wrapped with a poly bag, which is tied to the plant on both ends of the graft.

Photo showing a completed four-flap graft wrapped in aluminum foil and a poly bag.