My mother-in-law has an old apple tree which no one seems able to identify. We loved those apples and want to plant that kind tree at our home if only we knew what to buy. I'm just wondering if it would be possible to graft a limb onto another apple tree and would the result be the same apple as mother's? How would such grafting be done?

Reply to post by janet novak, on March 18, 2000 at 14:14:15:

It is done all the time. the nurseries get a hardy root stock and graft the hybrid onto it.

many book have directions, and you can find them in the libraries. There are even some on the web.

Reply to post by janet novak, on March 18, 2000 at 14:14:15:

Many of the fruit-producing apple trees are grown from grafts, to assure the fruit carries true to the variety.

What you need to do is buy a good root stock apple tree. Then collect the scions or cuttings from the tree you want to propogate, and graft them onto the root stock. This is the tricky part, and if you don't have experience, you can either learn by doing, or find someone to help you. Local plant growers or nurseries may have someone or can help you find a person with the experience to do it. It isn't difficult, but the success rate when you are starting is not too high for most folks.

Check some of the Cooperative Extension web sites for articles on grafting. I think the Washington State Cooperative Extension has some good information.

Reply to post by janet novak, on March 18, 2000 at 14:14:15:

A good book is Plant Propagation Principles and Practices, by Hartmann, Kester, and Davies (Prentice Hall)5th edition. See pages starting at 305 on theoretical principles, 349 on techniques, and 528 relating to apples.
Grafted-on parts are essentially clones of the plant they were taken from. They must be compatible with the plant onto which they are they are grafted. Timing is very important. Have you tried to get an opinion on the identity of your MIL's apple? It may be an antique. There may be an organization that focuses on preservation of old varieties, which may be able to help you identify it. It may still be available as a grafted new tree.
Try searching for antique varieties apples; I got a number of sites. I'll send a link. This can be a very interesting hobby or profession.