The side-veneer graft is a type of side graft and it is widely used to graft conifers. It is a common graft that uses small potted seedlings as the rootstock.
Side-veneer grafts are used to produce various types of upright juniper, and dwarf conifers like specialty pines (Pinus) and spruce (Picea).
The lower needles on scions must be removed by pulling or scraping with a knife.
Completed graft covered with a grafting compound to prevent the graft union from drying.
Healed blue spruce graft (arrow 1) ready to have the green rootstock (arrow 2) cut back.
Finished grafts with the rootstock's top completely removed.
A common practice for small potted side-veneer grafts is to plunge the grafted plants into a slightly moist medium, such as peat moss, so that it just covers the graft union. This prevents the graft from drying until it is healed.
Grafts may be covered with polyethylene and shade to keep graft union from drying. The shade helps reduce heat build up under the plastic.
