Hi- I've got sixty or so Cameo apple trees that are about 25 years old that I'd like to graft over to cider apples. I've got the scion wood, I just need help with bark and cleft grafting. I'm new to grafting and I don't want to ruin these beautiful old trees. Any suggestions?
One thing about topworking an old tree is that they are usually pretty determined to keep on living! Even if your grafts don't take on the first try the tree will sprout new watershoots out of the trunk which you can graft onto next year with whip and tongue grafts if you aren't successful with cleft or bark grafts. Could also consider grafting to existing side shoots instead of lopping off every limb back to the trunk.
Don't use too long of a piece of scion - that's the big key - two or three buds left on your graft so there isn't much wood for the new union to have to carry moisture to.
John, I have watched many videos on grafting, but I find that there is nothing like hands on experience. Im nit sure if i have seen the videos by Joe Real but i will take a look Dubyadee, thanks for the great advice. It's good to know that if I screw up this year that I may have a chance next year.
There are a lot of videos that may help you out here is one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UC5Dr3t ... r_embedded
I hope this helps you out. 
Hello!
I also had the same concern about grafting and as I was browsing for some basic grafting lessons I found these and It helped a lot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuSYbmSg ... re=related
And I also found this book "The Grafter's Handbook' by R.J. Garner. It is published in association with The Royal Horticulture Society. It explains all kinds of grafting and it is very well illustrated.
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